Amy,

I think my use of the word "set" was incorrect. Perhaps the word "consistent" or "standard" would have been better. You are correct, the protocols are not the same. Through my readings and talking to many people, I have found such a wide range of treatment options and follow-up care options that it is very confusing.

Specifically regarding follow up care, I have been in email contact with Dr. Eric M. Genden, the Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Immunobiology at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City about follow-up care. The following is one of our "conversations":

Question - Jerry: Another thing that puzzles me is the standard of care for follow-up. There seems to be NO standard. Some patients get some of, or all of the following. Chest xray, PET/CT scans, MRI's, CT scans, etc. The time intervals and number years vary widely. It is all very confusing.

Answer - Dr. Genden: This is very confusing and currently, my colleagues and I are working on a standard protocol. In general, we order a CT scan 6 weeks after surgery followed by a PET/CT co-registered scan every 3 to 6 months depending on the risk of recurrence.

Sorry for the misused word...no intention of causing confusion.

Jerry

Jerry

Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.

"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"