Hello, my name is Karen and I live in Columbus, GA. 3 years ago I had a spot on my tongue that concerned my dentist. I went to an oral surgeon to have it biopsied and it came back as benign so great news. A few months ago the spot came back in the same place, the back left side of my tongue. I was again sent to an oral surgeon who biopsied it and it came back as squamous cell carcinoma. I was shocked since it was nothing last time. I am 48, use no tobacco products and am very healthy. Also HPV negative. I was referred to an ENT who said it would need to be removed. He ordered a CT scan with contrast to make sure it wasn't in my lymph nodes, thankfully it hadn't spread. Surgery to remove that part of my tongue is scheduled for July 25th. I am ready to get it over with, but not looking forward to the surgery and recovery. I own my own business (pet sitting company) so I can do most of my work from home and can answer customers/employees through email and text. My surgeon's step mother had the same surgery in February and I got to have a nice conversation with her about her experience, made me understand things better. She suggested I visit this forum for more help and information.

Welcome to OCF, Karen! Im glad you found our site to help you with info and support. You are not alone in being a healthy adult with no risk factors (tobacco, HPV-) to be diagnosed with SCC OC. There are approximately 7% of patients who have no known cause. Regardless of why it turned into cancer, you will go thru the same things as others who know what caused theirs went thru. Dont worry, we'll be here to lean on to get your thru everything.

Hey Karen,

Welcome from another 7% group member. I've been told that the social drinking and no tobacco usage actually helps in the battle. (Maybe / maybe not Either way here we are.)

It's a little hard to hear the diagnosis at first but it sounds like your team has caught it early enough to reduce the overall damage to surrounding tissue and organs.

Just as a coincidence July 25th 2014 was my most recent surgery, so we have something in common.

In general you will be getting a great deal of information from your oncologist and others. Get ahead of the curve and do some preliminary research into the anatomy of your head and neck. Just find out how the different system interact and their locations.

Ask questions if you are unsure about what you're being told. Take notes. Keep a log of which doctor you've seen and summarize the conversation / directions.

Since you're a small business owner, you will have to develop a contingency plan for the days you will be recovering from surgery and possibly radiation treatments as well.

You have a few days to get your insurance in order and to try to get a support system together to help you get through

Good Luck - and keep us updated on your progress

Welcome to the forum although I'm sorry you have to join our group of friends.

Bjmpittsburgh has given you really good advice. At this point, I have nothing to add except to say do let us know how you're getting on.

Thank you everyone, I have a GREAT support system between, family, friends and employees to help me get through this....and now I know I have all of you!