My ENT finally called today, still having NOT talked to general surgeon. He is leaning now towards letting general surgeon remove thyroid and then ENT removing submandibular gland through neck, and lymph node too if frozen section is positive. This could all be done in one surgery. (General surgeon is insisting on two separate surgeries if ENT goes through the mouth, which is why ENT is leaning towards going through the neck). Problem is, CT scan can not say whether mouth lesion is part of submandibular gland or not.

As much as I want this over with, I am wondering if it is worth sacrificing my submandibular gland if it turns out that is not necessary. I am seeing PCP tomorrow and am going to ask for referral to Shands MD for 2nd opinion. There are two MDs on my insurance-- Dr. Nelson Goldman (listed as otolaryngology with clinical interest in head and neck surg.) The other is Dr. Rui Fernandes (oral and maxillofacial surgery, head and neck microvascular surg., head and neck surgical oncology). Just from the credentials, Fernandes sounds a little better, although I know I have read good things about Goldman on this forum. Anyone have any input on Fernandes?