Having your brother treated at the BEST hospital is always a good idea, however, that is no guarantee of success. I believe that you've already had 3 opinions, and two agree that more surgery is necessary because they feel the cancer is aggressive and still growing and spreading. Getting an appointment at Sloan and MD Anderson will take more time, time that the cancer will continue to grow and spread. Is this in your brothers best interest?

If you do decide to contact Sloan or MD Anderson, do it on Monday.

Whoever does the surgery I would ask that they do "frozen sections" during surgery which helps make sure they get all/most of the cancer remaining. Again no guarantee, but just some added insurance that the surgery gets as much cancer as possible.

Radiation may or may not be necessary, but this is something that his doctors need to address after the next surgery and the results of any tests that they do. If radiation is necessary, he may be able to get this treatment at a hospital closer to home working with the doctors at a CCC.

I know that this is all very confusing and stressful for you and your family. I'm really concerned about delaying your brother's treatment anymore. Time is not your friend here! What does your brother want to do? Ultimately it is his decision.

Best wishes!


Susan

SCC R-Lateral tongue, T1N0M0
Age 47 at Dx, non-smoker, casual drinker, HPV-
Surgery: June 2005
RT: Feb-Apr 2006
HBOT: 45 in 2008; 30 in 2013; 30 in 2022 -> Total 105!
Recurrence/Surgeries: Jan & Apr 2010
Biopsy 2/2011: Moderate dysplasia
Surgery 4/2011: Mild dysplasia
Dental issues: 2013-2022 (ORN)