I was recently diagnosed with mucoepidermold carcinoma of the left tonsil. I understand that this is unusual, in that most cancer in tonsils is classified as squamous cell carcinoma.

The path to diagnosis started with the appearance of a small lump in the area of my neck under the left jaw. A CT scan revealed a mass 3.4cm by 1.5cm. A fine-needle biopsy revealed what was initially classified as squamous cell carcinoma in the swollen lymph node. A subsequent PET scan identified the primary site as being in my left tonsil. Fortunately, no other activity was found.

The next step was a panendoscopy (inspection) of my mouth, throat, etc. - together with a tonsilectomy for both of my tonsils. (I'm early in the process, but the recovery from the tonsilectomy has been about as painful as anything I ever want to endure--but, I digress.) A biopsy of the left tonsil revealed a new diagnosis of mucoepidermold carcinoma vs squamous cell.

From what I have been able to learn, which is not much, the treatment is virtually the same for the two types.

The planned treatment program starts Feb 21st, and consists of seven weeks of radiation combined with a week's worth of chemo during weeks 1 and 5. I have already made arrangements for a PEG feeding tube to be installed 4 days prior to the start of radiation.

I have a pretty good idea of what I'm facing , but I am just starting to get my arms around the whole idea. If I did not KNOW that I have cancer, I would say that I was healthy and doing pretty well. I've learned an awful lot in a very short period of time, and quite frankly I'm starting to get pretty scared.

Many of my questions have been answered by the "Getting Through It Together" document.

I have NOT, however, been able to find anything about a diagnosis of tonsil cancer involving muceopidermold carcinoma. All the references seem to refer to tonsils and SCC. Can anyone help?

Any and all comments will be appreciated.

Len