Hello Everybody
My name is Mike i recently was diagnosed with cancer on the base of my tounge. Im a 35 year smoker and also chewed skoal on ocasion so no suprise on where this came from just hoping to get some insite on what to expect from radiation and chemo not sure if they will operate.thanks mike

Hi Mike,

Welcome to OCF, the best place to get information and support on oral cancer. I'm assuming they confirmed your cancer diagnosis via a biopsy. Did they test for the HPV virus? The HPV virus is becoming a leading cause of oral cancer even if you are a long-time tobacco user. OC caused by the HPV virus typically responds better to treatment (radiation and chemo).

There is a lot of information on OC treatment here in the forum and on the main pages of the OCF website and both have a search function.

Hi Mike you certainly have chosen a great group to reach out to. Two years ago I did the same and never regretted that. I received help and support to get through the toughest challenge in my life. If you can give us some details including your history with your diagnosis we will help you. Be strong and develop a warrior mentality right now and build your strength. We're here for you.

Welcome Mike! As you gather more information as far as the extent of your cancer, treatment plan, more can be answered. Even without knowing such, treatment, which basically consist of surgery, radiation, chemoradiation or a combination thereof, won't be easy, doable yes, as everyone here capable of posting did manage some how.

As mentioned, it's important, and probably a standard at this point, that oropharyngeal cancer be tested for HPV-16 or p16 positivity. If p16 positivity then they should test for HPV also since not all p16 is HPV related, but is a strong indicator of such.

Hopefully you are being treated at one of the recognized CCC, comprehensive cancer centers, throughout the country, who have experience in head and neck cancer. If not, I suggest you look into one designated by the NCI, National Cancer Institute, NCCN, National Comprehensive Cancer Network or one highly rated by U.S. News Report's Best Hospital's in Cancer, ENT, Ear Nose throat, which patient outcome can make a difference at these locations. Getting several opinions can also valuable, as well as saving all copies of meducal reports, scans, biopsies, etc.

http://www.nccn.org/members/network.aspx

http://www.cancer.gov/research/nci-role/cancer-centers/find

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

Good luck.