Deb,

I'm not sure how big the "area" is that your doctor is talking about, but I don't understand the rationale for something that sounds that invasive without getting a biopsy first. Sixteen years ago, when my oral surgeon first suspected that I might have cancer on my tongue, he purposely did nothing beyond the biopsy stage until he could get a full pathology report and the advice of a head and neck cancer team. I believe the reason was that a more extensive surgical procedure up-front could create significant scar tissue that might impede additional treatments that would be necessary in the event it was cancerous.

I would urge you to get a biopsy first so you will have a better sense as to what you are dealing with.

Cathy