Jane - the white patches are leukoplakia and lichen planus. I had them in 2000 and had them lasered at that time. My current ENT who works with an oncology group is not necessarily keen on the laser, but he said he would consider it. They were able to get all of mine with surgery last time - though quite extensive including the free flap from forearm etc. When we had a consult about radiation as a preventative measure, we decided against it, in the event it recurred and we needed to use it another time. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed and I will update after my biopsies next week! Hope all goes well for your husband. I found after I was lasered, the inside of my mouth was sensitive forever. Never again ate chocolate, potato chips (because of the salt), no orange juice etc. Hope your hubby does not have those issues.