I had radiation which eleminated my stage 2 tonsil cancer. The doctor says there is a less than 10% chance it could come back because all cells were not killed. Has anyone had some experience with the return after radiation in the same spot? Any advice if I should push to have my tonsils removed to eliminate the risk? I will be getting some more information from the doctor to understand the issues and risks if I have the tonsils removed. Your comments and thoughts are appreciated.

I still have what's left of my tonsils after the radiation. There's not much left actually and not much left of my Uvula either.

I would be more than happy with a 90% chance of it NOT coming back. And actually, in spite of the late staging, my radiation oncologist thinks that I have a 90% chance of complete response also. They irradiated both of my tonsils and neck. No one even suggested that there would be advantage to remove them. We all run some risk of recurrence no matter what they do. Good question though - I will ask my head & neck surgeon when I see him again in 2 months.

John, I did ask the question about removing my tonsil after radiation but my oncologist did not see the need although he always told me I have 50% of the chance of recurrence due to my advanced stage. His point is removing it doesn't prevent cancer from recurring. Gary, make sure you ask when you see your surgeon.

Karen