I am just starting treatment. SCCA base of tongue,T3N2aMo. Age 62, X smoker + etoh.
My surgeon says the primary is large, invasive but not across midline. He biopsyed it but did not attempt to remove. Did a L mod Radical neck, lost the 11th nerve. He says studies show similiar outcomes whether primary removed or not (plus rads and chemo). Anyone agree or disagree?
Also, I have seen a lot of discussion regarding swelling with radiation. Any have trouble with obstruction of airway?
Thanks, Edd

Agree; it is not always necessary to remove even part of the tongue. Sounds as if your medical professionals have the situation well in hand.
Darrell

In many cases the primary tumor can be dealt with, without surgery at the primary site. I for one, was treated at MDACC, and had radiation to my right tonsile and the surrounding area where the stage 4 primary was located, and had no intraoral surgery. All of my surgery was related to the neck dissection. I have not heard of this treatment modality on the tongue, but I am not an expert on this.

Edd,

My husband also has BOT and the docs here said no surgery. They told us about the same as what you were told. The results are the same whether they cut or not so the doc decided not to. Rad and Chemo only for now.

We have all Baylor docs at Methodist here in Houston.

Cindy

Thanks all, for your responce. Had a Dr apt today, the oncologist explained it better than the surgeon.
First time a Dr ever told me he didn't want me to lose weight, during treatment (260)! Edd