Becky,

You are not ignorant. This is all new to you and you need to be educated. It appears that your doctor has not taken the time to explain your situation to you in a manner that you can understand. This is another reason to get a second opinion by a specialist, hopefully at a comprehensive cancer center (CCC)

I assume that the glands that you refer to are lymph nodes. They are not removed "to make sure that the cancer doesn't spread". They are removed to make sure that the cancer hasn't spread to them. It is not a preventive treatment. I'm not sure if your misunderstanding of the lymph node removal is on your part of the doctor's, but this again, is another reason for another opinion.

To answer your questions, I had the partial glossectomy (part of tongue removed) at the same time as the lymph node removal. SCC is squamous cell carcinoma, which is the most common cancer of the oral cavity. Laser removal was not an option given to me.


Waiting is certainly not a good thing, but entering into treatment with someone that appears to not be the right person, is much worse. Don't ask for partial treatment. Get on the phone after checking out the link above given to you by Pete. You may he to travel, but it is well worth it.

Good luck.

Jerry