Regarding surgery post radiation question - is it possible that the surgery the oncologist was referring to was a neck dissection for lymph node involvement?

My understanding is that with HPV+ tumors that decision can be made after radiation/chemo. Often the lymph nodes respond completely to tx and that surgery will not necessary.


CG to husband, dx @ age 65, nonsmoker/social drinker. Dx 5/08 SCC Stage IV, BOT T1N2aM0. 33 IMRT - completed 9/12/08. Induction Chemo (Cisplatin, Taxotere & 5FU), plus concurrent Cisplatin.
1/09 PEG removed; 5/09 neg PET/CT; 5/10 PET/CT NED
Dental extraction & HBOT 2013; ORN 2014; Debridement/Tissue Transfer & HBOT 2016