Hi Laurie,

Welcome to OCF! I saw from another post that you are from Central PA and have family in Pittsburgh. UMPC is a vey good hospital and has treated many OC patients (don't recall who or any doctors' names).

I'm from the Lehigh Valley and was originally treated locally. I went for 2nd and 3rd opinions after my first surgery (Philly area). When I had a recurrence, I went back to one of the hospitals in Philly and then to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. I ended up being treated at Hopkins and that was the best decision I made - I wish I had gone there from the beginning. Hopkins is one of the best hospitals in the USA for head and neck cancer, it is a teaching hospital and have some of the best ENTs in the country working there.

Where in your mouth is the dysplasia? I'm assuming the gum because of your comment about exposed bone (that does make it a little more difficult). My cancer was located on my lateral tongue each time, and I had 4 surgeries in that area. The 4th time was for mild dysplasia. I looked into a clinical trial (chemo) at the time, but opted to have it surgically removed.

I would definitely go for a 2nd opinion and the recommendation may be to watch the area. Wishing you the best!