Last summer I was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer of the lateral tongue and had a lesion the size of a nickel. It was surgically removed in Nov.'02 without the need for reconstruction. Radiation was recommended but not pursued because the predental consult wanted all my teeth removed before radiation. At the beginning of August '03 a very small reoccurance was found. Traditional radiation is indicated again.

I have made arrangements for extraction of all of my teeth and am okay with this as long as the outlook for dentures is good. Is there anyone with a similar situation and experience with IMRT radiotherapy out there? They are recommending 6 weeks of treatment, twice a day M-F, with expected doses of 120 each treatment.

I have checked into IPT (Insulin Potentiation Therapy), a natural medicine option, but it is not covered by my insurance. If there is good hope for this option I would consider it strongly. The doses of chemo given are about 10% of the "norm" wihtout the traditional side effects.

If there is someone who has experienced oral IMRT perhaps they could contact me. I am most concerned about having enough saliva remaining functional enough to support the dentures. I understand there are new pharmaceuticals available to protect the saliva glands from the radiotherapy but know nothing about its effectiveness.

Any help? please!!!

Thanks,
Russ