Sore throat led to swelling, led to antibiotics, led to throat CT and ENT appointment, who said we can biopsy it or remove it. I opted for removal. They took left tonsil only saying pain would be bad enough removing just one and other tonsil looks normal. No previous history of tonsilitis.

SCC found in removed tonsil and in small area at base of tongue, both with HPV 16 presence. Neck CT showed no lymph node involvement. Chest CT found two small nodules in base of lungs, 8mm size, which they say are too small to reliably biopsy. So they want to do another chest CT in 4 months to see if growth occurs.

I haven't had an office visit since advanced pathology identified the HPV, so cancer has not yet been staged. But, they promise me radiation will likely be used.

That's about all I know for now. All this treatment has so far been at the VA hospital in Little Rock.

I did some reading on the OCF website before posting this and have already listed many questions for next office visit. Even on day 1 this website and forum has been unbelievably helpful...thanks to all who take the time to be involved.

Any suggestions, I'm all ears.

Wish me luck






Last edited by n74tg; 10-02-2013 09:09 PM.
Tony, 69, non-smoker, aerobatics pilot, bridge player/teacher, avid dancer (ballroom, latin, swing, country)

09/13 SCC, HPV 16, tonsillectomy, T2N0.
11/13 start rads, no chemo
12/13 taste gone, dry mouth,
02/14 hair slowly returning
05/14 taste the same, dry sinuses, irrigation helps.
01/15 food taste about 60% returned, dry sinuses are worse in winter.
12/20 no more sinus problems, taste pretty good