I went to 5 different cancer docs before I was satisfied with the recommended Tx which included radiation and chemo( due to nodal involvement) and NO surgery. Three of the 5 had recommended surgery so I was glad that I ended up at Moffitt which didn't see the need for it pre radiation and so far so good.

Certainly the recommendation for surgery depends upon many many factors including the location of the primary and even the presence of HPV.

Have his cancer cells been tested for HPV?

David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.