Hello Carole, I did also have a panendoscopy while in surgery. My case was different because they were looking for a primary tumor of unknown type. The procedure (panendoscopy) is not a big deal to go through. I suspect that his doctors want to be complete in their search for any spread or any other problems related to his smoking history. I would not worry yet that they have found anything beyond the tongue cancer.

You mention that you are in a small town. If you have any access to a larger medical community that has more experience it might be a good time to get additional opinions.

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.