Yesterday my husband was given a Dx of Stage 3, SCCA of posterior tongue. The ENT doc said he was a T2 N2 M0. He has recommended taking about 1/2 of his tongue and grafting tissue from his thigh, as well as a L radical neck dissection. This would be followed by radiation. Our biggest question right now is should we go to a cancer care center or stay home and have surgery here. My husband is a musician. He sings and plays guitar. The head and neck surgeon/otolaryngologist told us he is experienced with this surgery. I would be a huge but possible (I think) decision to go to MD Anderson, or someplace in Chicago for at least the surgical part. Our doc indicated that he feels the cancer centers are more surgically aggressive and adhere to rigid tx protocols. He feels there is some finesse with experience . Any thoughts?

First, sorry about your husband. Second, I would get a second opinion as soon as you can. I don't know what newfangled treatment he can offer when the top level comprehensive cancer centers set the treatment protocols for others to follow. Just my opinion.

Hi Kate, I'm sorry you have to be here. Stick with us and we will help you as much as we can. I agree with Uptown. Get to a Comprehensive Cancer Center as fast as you can. Research has proven that a CCC has better outcomes for their patients. They deal with thousands of similar patients, while I would guess that your local ENT only sees a few a year. CCC's have a Tumour Board approach which involves the surgeon, chemo oncologist, radiation oncologist, Speech Language Therapist, Oncology dentist and a few others. I know where we would rather be treated.
Wishing you the best,
Tammy

I would agree with everyone here. While staying home is comfortable you need a top surgeon to do the surgery and it should be at a top cancer facility. Even if its a few hours away.

Treatment for this cancer is blessedly short in a lot of ways compared to other treatments. It's really a 2 month daily commitment - if the commute to a ccc is too distant they have hope houses you can stay in for the week, and commute home only on weekends. Admittedly it's a pain in the ass to have to travel however it's a short time frame and bottom line it could make the difference between being around to watch your kids grow up. You owe it to yourself and those who love you to do everything you can now to beat this disease. Do overs are a bitch and not always successful. So right out of the gate hit it with the best of everything. This means seeking out top care.

And as far as surgeries go, a top cancer surgeon/ ENT can make a difference in how well you speak, and eat post treatment, and whether they get it all and your rads and chemo is merely an insurance policy.

Hugs and welcome.