Hi Rick,

My story is very similar to yours some of which we have discussed in personl emails before. I had a diagnosis of scc of the lateral border of the tongue from an incisional biopsy done in my office. I went directly to the chief of head and neck surgery at a local CCC. He performed a partial glossectomy and modified neck resection with 30 clear lymph nodes. NO rads, NO chemo. This was done this past April. I have seen him 4 times since and each time the next appointment is scheduled further apart.

I felt that his exams were superficial and on my own I saw a local ENT who I am friendly with. I subsquently had a laryngoscopy and endoscopy done and all is clear. I asked him about a pet scan and/or any other follow-up that he suggested and there is none. He wants to see me yearly and I will continue seeing the surgeon.

Because of my unique situation being a dentist, I can have a ViziLite exam whenever I want and my partners and hygientists check the areas that I cannot check myself.

Good luck and glad to hear that you are feeling better about this. I personnally have no idea when and if my own paranoia will go away, despite all the checking.

Jerry