I am a 77 yr. old woman who was just diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in the parotid gland. I had a lump appear under my ear and after a biopsy and pet scan, this was the diagnosis. I have had many squamous skin cancers removed in the last few years and I assume one of them got away and settled in the parotid gland. I am scheduled for surgery May 10, to remove the gland and surrounding lymph nodes. My concern is that a PET scan shows no other involvment except for the gland and I am questioning the need for removal of lymph nodes in the neck area. I was also told that I will have to have radiation after surgery and I am reluctant to participate in that. I have been told by friends that I should get a second opinion, but getting an appointment on such short notice is impossible.

What questions should I be asking when I go for my pre-surgery appointment next week.