Seems like the darn tonsils are common for this! Why didn't my dentist catch this a couple months ago? It was AFTER I had the swollen node after all.
Oh well. Water under the bridge I suppose. I plan on pointing him to this site for a refresher course on early dx.
You guys have all been awesome here.
I want to recap a quick update below and ask for any hints, info or background that anyone thinks I should include in my Tumor Board presentation tomorrow am.
1) Stage and nodal involvement, CT/PET scans, all pathology reports, etc.
2) Last week or so have had "pain" (a #2 on the 1 to 10 scale) on right side in throat. (sore throat)
3) Slight (2, sometimes 2.5) pain / sensation in Right ear.
4) painless "sore" on right rear side of tongue noticed 2.5 weeks ago, basically ignored by 4 or 5 ENT's
5) Background that FNA's caused lymph nodes to swell at least 25% to their current size.
6) Statement from most senior ENT I saw that persons of a younger age without risk factors has a more agressive neoplasm and requires more agressive tx.
7) Slight occassional ringing in right ear (30 seconds a couple times a day for the last two or three days)
8) Likely to be
HPV positive for tumor. (waiting on PCR results from cell block on FNA)
9) Outline of the 2 treatment paths I am considering:
A) MRND following or simultaneous to Radical Tonsilectomy; then radiation (and possible chemo and/or
Erbitux)
B) Chemo and/or
Erbitux with Radiation, (possible biopsy of R tonsil first), and/or possible radical tonsilectomy. Then, possible MRND if needed post chemo/radiation.
Any of your suggestions are appreciated.