Hi Dave --

My husband Barry has SCC right tonsil (removed 6/21 with negative margins except for 1.2 cm tumor remaining at base of tongue) also 2 lymph nodes with SCC (assumed, that is, only one was needle-biopsied but the other is also enlarged). We went to Hopkins and Sloan-Kettering for consults and both CCCs said that they would NOT do surgery first on Barry because of the quality of life issues associated with the tongue surgery. The Hopkins surgeon said he would have significant swallowing and speaking problems post-surgery. Both consults agreed that for him, the best approach would be concurrent chemotherapy and radiation, that would almost certainly take care of the remained b.o.t. tumor and then, perhaps, selective neck surgery if cancer appeared to remain in the nodes. However both Hopkins medical and radiation oncologists said, since he did not have "bulky disease" -- their words -- he probaby would not need surgery. We got the very distinct impression that surgery first was not considered for tongue tumors at these top cancer centers and in fact, both outright said they would not do it on Barry. And his tongue tumor is much smaller than yours.

Both medical and rad oncs gave same statistics for 5-year-survival for non-smokers as 60-70% post-chem and radiation which is pretty damed good compared to some of the numbers you see.

Anyway, you will see me always stress the importance of getting a second opinon on any cancer diagnosis -- in fact, some insurance companies including mine require it. It is not a slight on your first doctor, and he/she should expect you to do it. After all, it is YOUR life!

Gail