I have to chime in with Karen and Khaja. I had radiation and chemo only for reasons mentioned previously. I was a good candidate for this because my tumor was well differentiated and focally invasive. In other words, in spite of late staging, it had not spread to the lymph nodes and was well contained in one specific area. It was a textbook case for IMRT.

I also went to a major comprehensive cancer center for radiation treatment. I sought out one of the top doctors in the world to treat me (she's even listed in the "Americas Top Doctors" book by Castle Connelly). I mention this because I feel strongly about getting the best medical care you can (and you very well may be -maybe I'm speaking more to others reading this thread). For something as seious as a total tongue removal I would at least seek out a competent radiation oncologist for a second opinion.

Did they offer radiation and chemo as an alternative and what was the difference (if any) in the potential outcome. I chose radiation and chemo because there was no difference according to my medical team. It's really all about risk/benefit.