Carol went to an ENT (12/09) that has been in practice for many years. He was very calm but also very concerned when he was examining her. Almost sounded apologetic. He very briefly went over the options; radiation, chemo and/or surgery. Then he asked permission to do a biopsy. As with Kelly's post, it was very obvious to us that the ENT had seen it before. The next day Carol had an appointment with a well respected, well known ENT Dr at the hospital. (Another older doc.) He ordered a CT Scan and scheduled Carol for a Combined Tumor Board. The biopsy results in her case took about a week. The results went directly to the 2nd ENT who is now part of Carol's team. According to her pathology report it stated left tonsil, SCC, poorly differentiated. Unfortunately Carol's OC is advanced. The report does not need to be interpreted. It's there in black and white. If there is cancer then the necessary tests will be done to determine the stage, if it has spread, recommended treatments, etc. Like other posts it is NOT cancer until the biopsy says it is.

I would dump that ENT like a hot potato...

There are many knowledgeable folks on this site. Current patients, survivors and caregivers. They will tell you like it is, provide support, share their experiences. There is a lot of info to be had here. As the saying goes the only dumb question is the one not asked.

Linda







CG/Carol 57;SCC Stage IV L Tonsil T4N2bM0 12/2009
Recur 7/2010 - 2cm mass Invasive SCC L Floor Lower Jaw
Surgery 8/10 - Trach,ND,p. mandibulectomy,pec flap
ypT4aN0 HG Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
2nd Recur 1/18/11 - Tumor lower left lip
Surgery 2/9/11 - Canceled - Inoperable
3/29/11 - Died