A Routine Oral Cancer Screening Detected a Summerville Mom’s Tongue Cancer Early Enough to Cure

Summerville resident Kimmy Curry had experienced no symptoms that anything was amiss prior to her routine six-month dental check-up. But it was during this appointment that the dental hygienist performed an oral cancer screening and discovered a sore on Curry's tongue.

In October 2014 an oral surgeon performed a biopsy and within days, Curry learned that she had tongue cancer. "Initially, I was devastated with my diagnosis," she says. "My main concern was for my children."

A wife and mother of two, Curry worried how she and her husband would give the kids all that they needed while also focusing on her treatment and recovery. Their son Owen was a toddler at the time, while Carson was just six months old. "It was a very difficult time for my family," she remembers.

Knowing that the nearby Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) was a teaching hospital with a great reputation, Curry decided to go to MUSC Health Head and Neck Tumor Center, part of MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, for her care. "I wanted the highest level of care that I could receive in my area," she says. "I undoubtedly made the right choice and have been extremely pleased with my level of care."

With ENT oncologist and surgeon Joshua Hornig, M.D. along with radiation oncologist Anand Sharma, M.D. as part of her care team, Curry soon felt she was in good hands. Hornig's reconstructive work on her tongue was done with such precision that she now has very clear speech and normal functioning of her tongue and mouth. As for radiation, Curry notes that the therapy to the mouth and throat is a "grueling regimen" but one that was handled with much care. "Dr. Sharma carefully designed a treatment plan for me with pinpoint accuracy," she says. "I believe his precision has allowed me to live a quality life with very minimal post-radiation side effects."

Curry doesn't hesitate to recommend Hollings for others' cancer care. "I received a very high-level of personalized care, from an excellent team of doctors, using advanced medical practices and therapies, in a hospital that has been designated as a National Cancer Institute," she says. "I see a very bright future for MUSC and I'm looking forward to learning about the advancements MUSC makes to prevent, detect, diagnose, treat and cure cancer!"

Since her journey began with MUSC Health six years ago, Curry and her family are doing well despite the hard times they've braved together. "Fighting cancer is a very difficult battle, both physically and emotionally," Curry continues. "I've undergone multiple surgeries and endured a lot over the last few years, but I am very proud to report that my cancer is in remission."

These days, Curry is happily moving on with her life. Carson is now 6, Owen 9 and she and her husband Douglas are getting ready to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary. When she isn't busy working as a real estate agent, she's usually at the beach or pool with a good book or in the stands of a baseball field somewhere in South Carolina cheering on her sons. Best of all, she's putting cancer behind her for good.

"Cancer has changed my life in many ways over the past six years, but I can honestly say that I am doing very well," Curry says. "Life goes on, and for that I am thankful!"

Learn more about MUSC Health Head and Neck Tumor Center care, or call to make an appointment to see a head and neck cancer specialist.