My Hubby has just been diagnosed with oral cancer/tongue. We live in western Massachusetts. I’m/we are going to have lots of questions and I am grateful you are all here. After the results of the biopsy the oral surgeon said hubby has to get himself to a specialist for blood tests, xrays , MRIs cat scans etc.. He/we are thinking of Dana Faber, Mass General, ? or a particular Dr at Mass Eye and Ear. Mass General appeals to hubby because his oral surgeon mentioned that Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Western Massachusetts is a Massachusetts affiliated cancer center. So if he had to have radiation he could have it there and be home in his own bed at night. But I see you all mention it is best to go to a Comprehensive Cancer Centers which would mean Dana Faber.

So for now our questions are, and I know this may sound stupid, but what exactly does it mean when you all talk about a second opinion. Is that after he is given a plan at one of the places I mentioned above, he should then go to the other one to see what they say? Or would the Dr his oral surgeon is sending him to be the second opinion?

Next, which is better Dana Faber because it’s a CCC or Mass General because it has an affiliate near us?

Thanks in advance for all of your help.