Hello,
I'm new to this forum I've been reading some of the information here for about 2 weeks. I was diagnosed with SCC on my tongue Feb 3. I have surgery next week to remove the tumor as well as some lymph nodes from one side of my neck.
A scan did not show that anything had spread to the lymph nodes so they are taking them out as a precaution. So it's a T1N0M0.
A bit about myself, 28 year old, healthy and fit, never smoked. Noticed sore on tongue around Thanksgiving 2010. Saw dentist for cleaning and to ask about sore Jan 25 since it seemed as if it wasnt going away on it's own and I was getting worried and it was becoming painful. He referred me to an oral surgon where biopsy happened Jan 31. Oral surgeon called me on Feb 3rd to tell me about the SCC.
Since the diagnosis I've been to specialists where they reviewed my biopsy slide, I got a scan, and he then met with a team to discuss my treatment plan. The doctor did a great job explaining everything to me and answering all of the questions I have had for him. From what I've gathered if I was just having the tumor removed from my tongue it would be outpatient (the amount/location of removal should not affect my speech or ability to eat). But since I am also getting lymph nodes out I will be in hospital 3-5 days.
I'm glad that this was caught early but am still trying to process everything that's happened in the last month. This will be the first surgery I've ever really had except for removal of wisdom teeth. So I'm a bit scared and really not sure what to expect. If anyone has any insight as to what I can expect after removal of part of my tongue and lymph nodes from one side of my neck, that would be great.

Thanks