 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | Sometimes when they can't find the primary they call it an "occult" tumor. Cancer in the lymph nodes is typically a symptom rather than a cause (unless it's Lymphoma). I am not a doctor and it appears that they are being cautious and conservative but I would still get a second opinion from a CCC (if you aren't already at one).
SCC is found in non-smokers and drinkers about 25% of the total cases each year. He is a little on the young side of the typical profile for this disease (typical being mid 50's) so that's another reason to exercise great caution, care and vigilence.
Needless to say, if it were me, I would stop the smoking and wait a while before "social" drinking again.
Gary Allsebrook
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Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
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"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
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