Hello to you all. As a fairly new member I came to this forum regarding our 18 year old son who has been diagnosed with buccal mucosa invasive squamos cell carcinoma. The staging impression given by the radiation oncologist is T1 - tumor 2 cm or less in greatest dimension, NO - no regional lymph node metastasis and MO - no distant metastasis. Due to the close resection margins, he has recommended radiation therapy that will entail at least 6000 cGy over a full 7 weeks' time. It is moderately differentiated, and this is what he said about the necks - no suspicious adenopathy; however, a few tiny jugular chain lymph nodes were noted bilaterally. There were also bilateral tiny sublingual lymph nodes. I am not sure what all this lymph node speak is about. Our otolaryngologist initially said lymph nodes were not involved, but the radiation oncologist says they are but will be irradiated and surgery isn't necessary. Perhaps some of you can help with clarification on this. Also, I am hoping that some of you can help with probable side effects for my son specifically as he undergoes and finishes the radiation. I have read everything there is to read about possible side effects. I am looking for realistic, personal input and some advice on providing for his nutritional and emotional needs. We are still working on getting him out of his court-ordered group home and into our care for his treatment. He wants to be with his family and close friends, and with his church family. I think this is of URGENT IMPORTANCE in fighting this effectively, as well as the nutritional aspects involved. What do you think? We are very discouraged, as time is of the essence and we seem to be locked in battle with the "powers at be" in the system. Thank you for your help!
Cindee