Usually, when there is lymph node involvement, there is some type of chemo in addition to the radiation. The chemo is kind of a back-up to the radiation. My primary was also in my tongue, and I also had a neck dissection because of the lymph node involvement. I had 38 radiation treatments and three cisplatin. Mine was stage IV, however.

Female, nonsmoker, 70, diag. 5/09 after tongue biopsy: stage IV. Left hemi-gloss. and left selec. neck disec. 30 lymph nodes removed May 20. Over 7 weeks daily rads. with three chemo. PEG removed 12/4/09 Am eating mostly soft foods. Back to work 11/09 Retired 4/1/11. 7 clear scans! Port out 9/11. 2/13. It's back: base of tongue, very invasive
surgery involving lifestyle changes. 2/14: Now speaking w/Passey-Muir valve. Considering a swallow study. Grateful to be alive.