Hi everyone.

I have a question with regard to the usual course of treatment post chemo/radiation therapy. My husband Doug completed his treatment in mid June. His stage IV base of tongue cancer had invaded lymph nodes in the neck bilaterally. He went for follow up in July with his otolaryngologist who will be doing another laryngoscopy and biopsy August 17th. During his follow up appointment with his radiation doctor, he was told that a PET/CT would be done after his laryngoscopy and biopsy. I know that radiation changes the feel of tissues in the neck (he had conventional radiation as his cancer was quite advanced and they felt that this would be more of an agressive course of treatment). However, he has a small egg sized lump that remains on his left neck. The radiation doctor said that this could be dead tissue. My question is, what is usually done? Do you have to wait for another biopsy inside the mouth for additional scans and for plans for neck dissection if indicated? I know there is a window period for post radiation neck dissection and he will be two months post radiation at this time. Any information would be greatly appreciated as I know many of you have gone through this and you all have my admiration as wonderful people and survivors of this disease. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Virginia
wife to Doug (Base of tongue cancer T4N2cM0)