From toothache to cancer: Bedridden Free State woman seeks answers after years of treatment

Health-e News From toothache to cancer: Bedridden Free State woman seeks answers after years of treatment What started as a toothache in 2021 led to a rare cancer diagnosis and years of medical treatment for 29-year-old Lerato Mosai.

Four years later, the Sasolburg woman is bedridden and dependent on her mother for her daily care.

Mosai first went to a dentist after experiencing severe toothache in 2021.

Several teeth were removed, but the pain continued.

During another examination, the dentist noticed swelling on the hard palate of her mouth and referred her for further investigation at Mediclinic Emfuleni Hospital.

“After the dentist examined me and removed the third tooth, he observed that I was swollen on the hard palate of my mouth, with a blister that looks like a pimple,” says Mosai.

A biopsy in April 2021 confirmed that Mosai had adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer that can occur in the salivary glands.

By early 2024, the cancer had progressed and Mosai returned for specialist treatment.

In March 2024, Mosai was admitted to Lenmed Hospital in Lenasia South, where she underwent extensive surgery to remove the tumour and part of her upper jaw.

This was followed by radiation treatment.

“I went to the surgery walking and full of life.

Today I can’t walk, take care of my son, I can’t even turn myself on the bed,” Mosai says.

“I need justice.” She continues to receive medical care related to her cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Reconstructive surgery Mosai says she was told that part of her jaw would need to be reconstructed following the cancer surgery.