He should have the removed tissue sent to a pathologist That guy will look at the margins and see that they are all clear or not. He will also confirm that his original findings were/are still correct. That sample has to be kept by law for 7 years. Your doctor should share with you the exact pathology report. In that you will know where you are at right now.

When are margins considered clear? And if they are how often should I follow up? Should I follow up with oncologist or ent. What is the best hospital in the New York area to go for oral cancer sloan-kettering?

In my opinion cancer is cancer - anything size wise that is under 2 cm is considered stage one. 1- 3mm depth isn't huge - but there are people here who have had a 1mm depth, been stage one - and still had one lymph node involved with ECE ( extra capular extension ) which is a little cancer outside the node. This is usually a call for radiation and chemo... Is the small area classified as a tumor? I'm thinking yes. If it has a depth and width - yes... It's a small one but a tumor none the less... And yes I believe a scan is important. If you don't have one - do yourself a favor and keep a close eye on your mouth and neck. I don't want to scare you... But this cancer can be aggressive - so keep an eye on it... Better safe than sorry. My results read much the same way as yours - dysplasia and bits of scc. A fair portion of the underside of my tongue had dyslasia. It was all removed. Clear margins are good -we all hope for them post surgery. The problem with cancer is the margins could be clear - no problem, but there could still be a few cells in a lymph node or elsewhere this is why it is important to keep a close eye on your neck and mouth - and - yes follow up every three months just to be safe. Also apparently Sloan lketterling is one of the best.- Best of luck.

So is it better to go ahead and do some radiation as a precautionary measure. I have heard so many times it doesnt appear to be much and then it takes off.What is the best way to monitor? Frequent scans. Also this early on can it cause any other symptoms I also have an extreme anxiety disorder so I am trying to understand what symptoms of early cancer might be? What was the cause of yours? If it is HPV does that make a difference in treatment.

Spoke with ENT surgeon today and he said everything went well durinf co2 laser proceduree. There was just a very thin white area of leuckoplakia and then he said everything beyond that near the muscle looked normal and the procedure went exactly as he expected. Iam in alot of pain now but he said don't worry if you can only drink fluids for now.

HPV treatment is surgery if possible ( tonsils - and base of tongue ) and usually radiation and chemo. For you I would ask for a scan - if it's clear - then go for you regular check ups, keep an eye out in your mouth for anything unusual - and give your neck a feel - weekly your looking for a lump that isn't normal. Try not to freak out but do have a scan done... Good luck!

Tongue is in extreme pain after co2 laser procedure it has been five days now I am taking norco which is hydrocodone and acetamenaphin. I have also been taking some advil as well and have rinsed my mouth with hydrogen peroxide. Can not eat anything does anyone know how long the pain will last and any ideas to help which I guess is a burn heal faster. It is about 2.5 inches wide and goes down the entire side of my tongue is this a large area or typical?

Yikes- sounds sore... Can I suggest being gentle with your tongue for a bit.. Not sure how or what you are eating but do bland, Luke warm foods or ensure and rinse with salt water and baking soda - not sure if hydrogen peroxide is too harsh. Good luck.

Spoke with ent surgeon today he said that pathologist told him that he felt severe dysplasia and microinvasive carcinoma are the same thing. My surgeon feels that micoinvasive is that. I am confused it appears there are different perspectives out there? The most important thing is that they are treated and that person does well.

definitely... i guess it all boils down to how much you trust your doctor... bottom line if you are willing to accept his explanation then that's great, if not - then get a second opinion... for me the word carcinoma means cancer... not dysplasia... that being the case. i should be handled carefully. Best of luck I know deciding what to do is a difficult decision. Sometimes sitting back and waiting is all you can do, however it bites to find yourself in a position where you are saying... I wish I had done this.... way back when. Take care