Sheila,

I don't think there is a big difference in the treatment or recovery time. Generally, though, tongue cancer is thought to be more aggressive, particularly on the base of the tongue. Because of its location, quite often it is not caught until the later stages, which makes for worse survival rates.

Statistics, however, don't mean much, as each case is unique. A Stage 2 tongue SCC patient can die and a Stage 4 tonsil SCC patient survive and vice versa. FWIW, based on my personal experience with my daughter and on research, if I knew I was going to get SCC and had a choice, I would choose tonsil over tongue in a heartbeat.

Rosie

Was primary caregiver to my daughter Heather who had stage IV base of tongue SCC w/ primary recurrence. Original diagnosis August 21st, 2002. Primary recurrence March 18th, 2003. Died October 6th, 2003.