Base of tongue cancers are one of the primary sites that the HPV16 virus likes to start trouble in, so given his non smoking status and this little bit of information, it may lead you to an answer as to how he came to this disease. They almost never do surgery on the base of the tongue, since it causes so many negative long term quality of life issues if they do. But radiation, or rads with concurrent chemo have proven very effective at irradicating it. Watch for any weight loss since he has no peg. 10% plus weight loss is a point at which you should have the doctors reconsidering thier no peg decision. He may be one of the lucky ones that has an easier trip through radiation and continues to take enough nutrients by mouth.... if he isn't, PEG early in the process.

Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.