| Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 4 Member | OP Member Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 4 | i was diagnosed with Stage 2 (ITS, G1), Squamous cell carcinoma of base of tongue (Left side) in September 2009, surgery was done, the cancerous tissue as well as lymph nodes were removed. later tests showed that cancer had not spread to lymph nodes. i underwent 28 days of IMRT radiation in November-09.
i was asked to get an MRI done now (i.e. after 4 months) it shows some abnormality on the Right lateral side on the anterior portion of the tongue. What could this be? could this be a possible recurrence?
my doctor says , since i am unable to open my mouth wider, he will have to register general anesthesia and take a sample for biopsy. he is of the opinion that such a localised cancer cannot recur within 4 months and definitely not on the opposite side of the tongue. is this true?
also, he mentions that it could be formation of fibroids (an after effect of surgery and radiation) . Is this possible?
Kindly update me at the earliest since it is very frightening.
thank you -Anupama Kanbur | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Anything is possible including a recurrence.
How old are you?
Were you a tobacco user?
What type of radiation did you receive?
Are you male or female?
I assume it's difficult to get another opinion so if he is hesitant about the biopsy, what does he recommend? Just waiting to see if it resolves itself?
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 | David is right, it could be anything including cancer. What I will say, and it's commonly said on these boards, is that it's NOT cancer until a biopsy says it is.
I know it's hard to do, but take comfort in that advice. Push your Dr to get to the bottom of the issue, but don't let you mind wonder with the possibilities.
Good luck and best wishes,
Eric
Young Frack, SCC T4N2M0, Cisplatin,35+ rads,ND, RT Mandiblectomy w fibular free flap, facial paralysis, "He who has a "why" to live can bear with almost any "how"." -Nietzche "WARNING" PG-13 due to Sarcasm & WAY too much attitude, interact at your own risk.
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