Ive been a part of this organization for 11 years which has taught me many things about oral cancer. Ive helped hundreds of patients and caregivers both thru this online forum, and also thru emails and phone calls almost every single day of the past 8 years. I am not a medical professional by any means! But, I have seen enough patients come here just like you, scared and feeling alone. Many of these people have looked back and wished they had gone for that second opinion instead of rushing to get rid of the cancer. Of course you do not want the tumor to be there (benign or not) any longer than it has to be. I strongly recommend getting a second opinion if possible at a comprehensive cancer center (CCC). Im not familiar enough with benign diagnosis to know if a CCC will see someone who has a benign diagnosis but please give it a try to get into one. Getting a second set of eyes with all their years of experience to check you out and read thru all your medical history is a very important thing to do. You want to get the very best medical care you can, put your faith in your physicians and go with it. Down the road you do NOT want to have second thoughts and wish you had spent an extra couple weeks going for the second opinion which could have a huge impact on your upcoming surgery.

Off the top of my head I know Sloan Kettering is a top CCC. Sorry but Im not sure what else is an option for you so Ive included a list of CCCs and a link for US News top hospitals, plus a couple other links which might be helpful (not sure due to the benign diagnosis). I suggest asking specifically if the surgeon will be doing frozen sections during your surgery to ensure the margins are wide enough to hopefully prevent any regrowth. A CCC uses a team based approach so all the doctors are on the same page and you dont have to run around seeing one doc on one side of town and another in the opposite direction where they each have their own version of your medical history. At the very least make some calls and see what appointments are available before scheduling to have surgery. Just remember... surgeons cut, they always advise patients need surgery and once its gone it can never be returned back to its original state. This is why I suggest a second opinion is your best option.

Hope this info helps!!! Best wishes!!!

List of Cancer Centers

US News Best Hospitals List

Main OCF Site, Understanding section

Main OCF Site -- Financial Assistance


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile