Hello,
I am new to ocf. Yesterday I received biopsy results from lesion excised from my tongue. The report indicated squamous cell carcinoma, well differentiated, superficially invasive. I was referred to a doctor at the greenebaum cancer center at the university of maryland. They reviewed the report and indicated that another biopsy would not be required. I have an appointment at the center next week.

Can anyone tell me what to expect next?

Hi James,

About all I can tell you is what Moffitt Cancer Center did to me, tongue cancer. I had my biopsy, went to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa to see the surgeon. My lesion was growing outward, but it had grown under my tongue, 2cm. My surgeon explained to me he would take the tumor out and do a ND cut from my ear to the middle of my throat. When he told me that my eyes got huge. The CT Scan showed no nodes invloved, my surgeon told me CT scans do not pick up small cells. He suggested I have a ND to be on the safe side but it was up to me. I told him do what you have to do, he did it. You can't see my scar because of my age he made the cut in a wrinkle. I guess aging is good in some ways.

I was in the hospital 2 days, I wanted out so I did everything I was told to do before I could leave. I was on Roxycodyne for 2 weeks then went to tylenol. As far as scar tissue in my tongue and neck it acts up once in a while. I ususally massage the area and the stiffness goes away. I can feel a little knot in my tongue, no big thing. I do have a small speech impediment, when I talk fast it seems to get worse. After surgery your case goes before the tumor board to see if you need Radiation/Chemo in my case I didn't need it.

Your case may be different, sharing what was done to me. It sounds worse than what it was.

See my signature line. It's a good idea to make one it's under My Stuff at the top.

I hope all works out for you do what the surgeon suggests you'll be fine. Good Luck keep us posted.

Connie

James,

Depending upon the size of the tumor and whether or not there is nodal involvement, your treatment can include anything from removal of the Primary, neck dissection(s), radiation and chemo. Can be Primary surgery alone or all of the above. No one here can tell you what's in store for you at this point. You will have to wait and see what they recommend and even then you may want to get another opinion.

Tell us what they say and then we can tell you everything (and more) about what you may expect.

Hi Connie,

Thank you for your response. At this point any info I can get is helpful in getting my head around this problem.

Many thanks. Hope to talk to you again.

jim

Hi David,

Thank you for your response. At this point any info I can get is helpful in getting my head around this problem.

Many thanks. Hope to talk to you again.

jim

James, My wish for you is that you don't need all of the surgeries a lot of us had , and that you don't have to lose anybody parts. There are a few of us that have had everything but the bathroom sink installed in our bodies. Just as many taken away too. LOL

James,
You came to the right place. I to had a lesion on my tongue that came back as SCC. I, however, did not get a ND. I did have radiation and chemo. Your physician may decide not to do radiation at this point if he/she gets clear margins. May wait until after a PET scan to determine what needs to be done.

James, welcome to OCF. Here is a list of the best cancer centers. Its a good idea to make sure you are being treated at a facility that is familiar with treating alot of oral cnacer patients. A second opinion is also a very good idea.

http://health.usnews.com/health/best-hospitals/cancer-hospital-rankings/

James,

I think the key words you received are �Superficially Invasive�, this is a good thing. My cancer was �minimally invasive� meaning mine was just a bit more invasive then yours. Let�s hope this holds up as they do further tests. I was treated with radiation only with no chemo and no neck dissection because they caught it early.

I hope you are as lucky as I was. I�m cancer free (knock on wood) 1 year out and back at living life 110%. Treatment was an unmitigated BITCH and I was laid very low for some months, but I�m on the other side of that now and back in the game.

Make sure you get an opinion from a CCC. I got two although I was treated at a nearby cancer center that used the same protocol as the University of Michigan (my closest CCC).

Good Luck and keep posting.

James:
Expect the unexpected. Listen to what the doctors have to say, make notes, then research. Share with the folks here and to David's point a second opinion is usually a good thing. I was actually encouraged by the first surgeon I spoke with to get a second opinion, but as he said, Don't waste too much time as it is of the essence that you take action. Cancer never sleeps. Sounds as though it is discovered early so you will still fight but will win!
Steve