My situation is totally different than your husband. I found out 1/6 that I have a recurrence on my tongue (right side, same area as original tumor). The PET scan which was done 2 weeks after surgery (too soon) showed some hot spots in some nodes on left side (small). Doctor felt they were reactive and did a FNA (fine need aspiration / biopsy) of one of the nodes and no cancer (but a FNA is just a sample of the cells). However, I�ve had multiple doctor opinions so far and most still want to do a neck dissection on the left side or both sides. I�ve already had the max radiation dose to the right side, but radiation to the left side is still a possibility. Went for a 3rd opinion this week, and this doctor wants to do a repeat PET scan (in a few weeks), before going down the surgery path. The surgery also involves removing up to half my tongue and possible reconstruction (free flap).

They could do a FNA on the node that light up on the PET, but my guess is they will likely want to radiate both sides of the neck to ensure that the kill any cancer cells there. I didn�t read the entire thread � are they talking doing a neck dissection also?

This is a very stressful time you are going through. Once you found the right doctor and start treatment, I felt my stress level decrease. Although the treatment is not easy, but doable. I wish you the best.