I had the "second opinion" appt with the local cancer center. The oncologist feels that a wait and watch of the severe dysplasia is a better option than radiation. He feels (after speaking with my ENT who performed the surgery) that radiation would do more harm than good, i.e. lost teeth, loss of salivary glands etc. The severe dysplasia is too close to my jawbone (under my tongue) - so they couldn't remove that tissue surgically without removing bone. The ENT thinks that another surgery, in about two months, after some of the tissue grows back, may be warranted. Oncologist also says that radiation is a "one time deal" that once radiation is performed on an area, you can never use it on that area again. Any thoughts on this? It seems to me that all of these opinions are subjective. Does anyone have any experience in decisions like these?

Thanks in advance - I love this group!


Biopsy results received: 9/28/05 Partial Glossectomy right side 10/5/05 - 2 good margins - severe dysplasia on the 3rd margin...