Hello all,
Here is a question that may seem silly. However, I wonder about the answer and would like to pose the question. My SCC was discovered as a lump in the neck one month after removal of my tonsils. My close friend's SCC also manifested itself one month after major surgery to the face. Is it possible that trauma (surgery) to the head triggers some sort of response in the lymphatic system that causes the SCC to start growing? Has anyone else had this experience? I know that my cancer was caused by HPV and likely would have shown eventually, however, I can't help but wonder about the connectivity and reactivity of the lymphatic system, squamous cells, and HPV.

I am interested in this question both theoretically and practically. Prior to my diagnosis and treatment, my Periodontist wanted to do some oral surgery to treat gum recession. Has anyone had this type of surgery done after recovery from IMRT? Would it be silly to even think that I might have sufficiently recovered to consider moving forward with gum surgery? The last thing I would want to do would be to trigger some sort of interaction with HPV and the lymphatic system.

For all new members, this is just a hypothetical question. I just am asking the question.

Thanks again. I love this website.


Frank

SCC Right Tonsil Dx 2/25/2008 at age 43
T1N2B M0,Stage IVa
8mm primary removed 3/5/08
4cm lymph node removed 2/22/08
2 additional sub cm nodes
Tx at Stanford: 30 x IMRT, 2 x Cisplatin,
Started radiation 3/27/08, Completed 5/7/08
p16+, HPV 16+
2 Year Post-TX PET CT 5/10 - CLEAR