Jay,

It sounds from your original message as though you've been seeing one doctor thus far. One of the things you can find over and over on this site is that people highly recommend getting a comprehensive and balanced review of their case by an experienced team representing various specialties (surgery, radiation, chemo).

Based on personal experience, I have to advocate that approach. Early on when I was having symptoms, I had conversations with several individual doctors (not oncology specialists) who thought the sore on my tongue was -- at worst -- a benign tumor that could be easily removed. (I also am a lifelong non-smoker and was diagnosed at age 39.) It was only when a team of oncology doctors looked thoroughly at the biopsy results that I received a full and accurate diagnosis and a strong recommendation of both surgery and radiation.

Obviously, I can't tell you what the right course of treatment is for you, but please be sure to get your advice from a team at a major cancer center.

Cathy