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USA: According to a recent article published on People.com by Jordan Greene, a routine dental cleaning appointment took an unexpected turn, potentially saving a woman’s life. The story highlights the importance of regular dental check-ups and the vital role dental professionals play in overall health.

Unexpected Discovery During Routine Cleaning

Christine Lee, a 52-year-old resident of Cromwell, Connecticut, visited her dentist in April for what she thought would be a standard cleaning. However, her long-time dental hygienist, Nicole, made a startling discovery during the procedure.

As reported by Greene, Lee recounted the moment: “She could physically see it.” Nicole detected a lump during a routine finger swipe of Lee’s mouth, prompting her to halt the cleaning and conduct further investigation.

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Quick Action and Thorough Examination

Upon discovering the abnormality, Nicole took immediate action. Greene’s article states that Lee was taken to a panoramic X-ray machine, where a mass in her mouth was identified.

“I could feel it, but I couldn’t see it on the imaging, but she could,” Lee told People.com, emphasizing the hygienist’s expertise and attention to detail.

Diagnosis and Prior History

The discovery led to a diagnosis of B non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, marking Lee’s second encounter with the disease. Greene reports that Lee had previously battled the same cancer in October 2020, achieving remission in August 2021.

Patient’s Gratitude and Viral Recognition

Lee expressed profound appreciation for Nicole’s thoroughness and care. “I just remember that day that Nicole was really concerned,” Lee said. “She was so thoughtful and caring. The fact that she stopped the cleaning was huge to me.”

The story gained traction on social media after Lee shared a video of her follow-up visit to thank Nicole. The clip went viral, attracting over 40,000 likes and 300 comments on Instagram.

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Ongoing Treatment and Relationship

Greene’s article notes that Lee began chemotherapy on May 23, with a treatment plan spanning six months. Encouragingly, Lee reported that her tumor has already shown signs of shrinking.

The experience has forged a stronger bond between Lee and Nicole. “Now we have each other’s cell phones. We follow each other on social media. We keep up with each other. She just really is an amazing person and she’s so caring,” Lee shared with People.com.

Image Credit: Christine Lee Mihalopoulos