Hello, I am a 57 year old female who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 20 years ago, had Chemo and RT as well as a bilateral mastectomy in Detroit MI. 8 years ago diagnosed with Thyroid cancer, had thyroidectomy, bilateral neck dissection, and now SCC Stage I on left underside of tongue (I'm sorry I don't remember the proper terms of this). I underwent a partial glossectomy on 2/21/18 but the ENT surgeon at a CCC who did the surgery didn't want to do a dissection of the remaining nodes in my neck surrounding the submandibular gland. My submandibular gland is very swollen and sore. Has anyone had this happen after surgery? My Endo Dr who follows my Thyroid cancer did an ultrasound as he always does every six months to follow the deep lymph nodes that have cancer involvement and sees something in the nodes surrounding that spit gland. I have decided to jump ship (figure of speech) and seek a different treatment center. Not impressed with the current Head and Neck Department at all. I appreciate any insight as I'm very confused as why I have conflicting Dr opinions.

Wow, my ENT pretty much insisted on doing a neck dissection even though there wasn't much to indicate it, and it came back clean. (Wish I hadn't had the surgery, but that's a different story.) I'm surprised yours won't if there are indications that something is amiss. Or ... are they already planning to do radiation? Because what my doctor was doing was checking to see if there were any affected lymph nodes ... and if you already know, then maybe there's not a need to do the surgery, and that will save you precious healing time. Ask what the plan going forward is, if you can. If they're going to radiate the heck out of the area, then this way you don't have to wait for the surgery to heal first, and that could be a good thing.

Welcome to OCF, Debbie! Im sorry to read about your long history of battling different cancers. You will find info and support here.

Since you are experiencing pain and swelling after more than a month post surgery, I would definitely go back to your doc to check you out thoroughly. You can kill 2 birds with one stone. If you dont understand what your doctor is doing and why they did not do a neck dissection can you make an appointment and discuss this in greater detail with your doctor? There could be many other factors to consider why the doctor made the decisions they did and why the opinions are conflicting. Since your case is complex due to your long and varied cancer history, I would advise being treated at a comprehensive cancer center (CCC) is very important. There have been many here who have been treated at Moffitt and the other top CCCs like MD Anderson, Sloan Kettering, etc. CCCs are the most experienced in complex cases and using a team based approach where all specialists will be on the same page. Patients are able to attend the tumor board meetings and ask questions to ensure a complete understanding. Im not sure why your getting varying opinions if using a CCC. One thing to always remember... everyone is different and will respond to things in their own unique way. Our members do not have medical backgrounds, we arent qualified to second guess a physician. Time is important, especially if theres something showing up on a scan, I would suggest making an appointment for at the very least, a second opinion. Even if you found someone who has a similar tumor location, size and they are generally similar such as age, sex, previous cancer, etc they still arent an equal comparison as each patient is an individual and will respond in their own way, has their own medical history, etc. I know one of the top CCCs will do a second opinion without the patient having to travel. Im sorry but off the top of my head I just cant remember which one. Maybe your insurance company will offer some assistance in this? Im very sorry that I wasnt able to help you more.

Best wishes with everything!

I appreciate your input. The surgeon doesn't want to dissect because he believes the nodes around gland have already been dissected. When I sent him the notes from ultrasound showing they are not dissected and show something (hasn't been verified yet what), he is refusing to change treatment plan which is office visit every 3 months with CT scan after 9 months. He almost seems PO'd at me for my other doctors both saying more should be done. Not very professional in my opinion. I am switching out of my current CCC.

I’m sorry for your troubles! I’m sorry for the difference in opinions, but that can happen with different doctors, and cancer centers. I would seek another opinion or two, and decide my best options. That’s what I did with several of my doctors and cancer centers in the past, and probably the best thing I did! Also, not every cancer center may be top in your particular type cancer (head and neck).

Good luck

@ Paul... Debby is being treated for thyroid cancer. Thats something we dont normally see here. I dont know if thyroid cancer would fall under the head and neck cancer umbrella or not. I know brain cancer isnt considered a head and neck cancer so maybe thyroid cancer is like that? Its possible treatments for thyroid cancer would vary from what we usually think of as treatments for those with OC. Maybe thats playing a part in the difference of opinions? I completely agree that getting other opinions would be the best decision for someone in this situation. Best wishes with everything, Debby!!!

Thanks! The initial post here says the thyroid cancer was 8 years ago. The current tumor, SCC left underside of tongue, is stage I. Good question? I know of thyroid cancer patients being treated in the head and neck cancer departments where I was treated. One is called THANC, Thyroid Head and Neck Cancer. At another, Head, Neck and Thyroid Cancer Institute, the Chairman specializes in thyroid cancer surgery, but I’m still not sure.

Paul, you are always on the ball. Im sorry, I must have gotten the history of cancers confused. I was thinking it was thyroid cancer currently which was what was behind the differences in opinions. We've had so many new members within the past few weeks! My memory isnt what it used to be before I had cancer. I have a hard time keeping everyone straight remembering who has what.

Debby can you please add a signature when you have time? This greatly helps us to keep your history straight and provide you with responses which are geared towards your situation. I have sent you the info you need for detailed instructions on how to not only add your signature but to also quickly and easily learn the ins and outs of navigating our site. This can also be found in the very first section titled.. "New Here, Read This First" in the Posting Etiquette thread. Thank you!!!

Here in Toronto, Canada, thyroid cancer is not necessarily treated in the Head and Neck Clinic. My friend was treated by an ENT and had surgery. My husband’s thyroid condition was followed, not by his MO, but by the endocrinologist in another hospital. The MO said she did not know enough about the thyroid to be treating that as well. I’m afraid the division is so fine that one ends up being followed by different doctors in different departments in different hospitals. Maybe the doctors treating Debby can consult with each other.