Andy,

I don't particularly agree with some of the replies you have received here. It is true that all 7 doctors probably aren't wrong, but it can happen. DavidD's reply has merit. Also, if you check Uptown's posts, you will see that he had several doctors misdiagnose him. I think the thing that some of the people here have not considered is that even though you have seen 7 docs, not all of them were experts. The opinions of most GP's can usually be discounted when it comes to diagnosing oral cancer. They just don't see enough of it to recognize it. Even ENT's can miss it, esp. if you don't fit the profile and the tumor is deep under the mucosa. Base of tongue SCC is notoriously hard to detect in the early stages. That is why the survival rate on it is one of the worst for oral cancers.

I am not telling you to panic. I agree with the other posts in that you must try to get a grip on yourself and calm down. BUT I also feel that you need to be comfortable with the docs explanations for your pain, lumps, etc.

If you need one more opinion in order to have peace of mind, then I say go for it. Just be sure to go to "the experts" this time. Doctors at Dana Farber or, better yet, Memorial Sloan-Kettering should be able to set your mind at ease.

One thing that bothers me is that none of the docs have even done a fine needle biopsy on any of the lumps. That is a fairly simple procedure and while not foolproof, it could go a long way toward easing your mind. As far as the CT scan results, I don't feel they mean diddly. Heather's 3 cm tumor and 4 positive lymph nodes didn't show on a scan. An MRI or PET/CT would be a better indicator. Heather's surgeon now uses PET/CT's on a regular basis. Since losing her, he has changed some of his thinking on "the norm" for diagnostic procedures and treatment.

The bottom line is that this is probably not cancer, but it is your life and you must do whatever it takes to have peace of mind. Only then can you move on and concentrate on enjoying your life with your wife and baby-to-be.

Rainbows & hugs, wink
Rosie

P.S. I didn't want to get a feud going on the forum, so I have sent you a private e-mail with more info. Please let me know if you don't receive it.

Was primary caregiver to my daughter Heather who had stage IV base of tongue SCC w/ primary recurrence. Original diagnosis August 21st, 2002. Primary recurrence March 18th, 2003. Died October 6th, 2003.