Yesterday my husband was given a Dx of Stage 3, SCCA of posterior tongue. The ENT doc said he was a T2 N2 M0. He has recommended taking about 1/2 of his tongue and grafting tissue from his thigh, as well as a L radical neck dissection. This would be followed by radiation. Our biggest question right now is should we go to a cancer care center or stay home and have surgery here. My husband is a musician. He sings and plays guitar. The head and neck surgeon/otolaryngologist told us he is experienced with this surgery. I would be a huge but possible (I think) decision to go to MD Anderson, or someplace in Chicago for at least the surgical part. Our doc indicated that he feels the cancer centers are more surgically aggressive and adhere to rigid tx protocols. He feels there is some finesse with experience . Any thoughts?
Kate, wife of husband with
May 2015, SSCA left lateral tongue, T2N2bM0 Stage 4 , Age 58
06/01/15, L hemiglossectomy, modified L radical neck, clear margins, 2 nodes positive, no extracapsular extension. Perineural invasion on lingual nerve in tongue.
Tx completed 8/28/15, IMRT and 2 high dose cisplatin.
12/15 negative PT scan
5/16 negative PT scan
2/16 fitted with partial denture
12/16 3mm area of exposed mandible identified. Started on pentoxifylline regime
3/17 completed 40 HBO dives.
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