Because of the problems with swallowing and (sometimes) speech after base-of-tongue surgery, neither of two top CCCs (Hopkins and Sloan-Kettering) at which we consulted do this surgery now -- instead relying on chemoradiation to reduce the tumor. However, our Hopkins ENT did discuss how BOT surgery could be done, which *does* include reconstruction and restoration of function as much as possible.

Many non-smokers with BOT or tonsillar cancer are now being found to have human papilloma virus-induced disease (but not always). While this does not affect initial treatment, it does appear to be associated with a better prognosis as these cancers seem to be more responsive to cemoradiation therapy.

Gail