Catherine --

Here are some links to head and neck cancer programs in Virginia and nearby:

-- Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond
-- University of Virginia in Charlottesville
-- Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk

In Washington: Georgetown University's Lombardi Cancer Center (no specific link to head/neck cancer program, but OCF'er Charm2017 was treated there and could provide info)
In Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University's Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center

These are all comprehensive cancer centers, meaning that each case goes before a team of doctors from a variety of specialties to come up with a treatment plan. You want people working together to treat this and not be left in the position of finding each specialist you may need on your own.

There are several people here who had only surgery, following by close monitoring. Once you know your staging (it does sound early) you can check the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's protocols for the latest treatment recommendations. As you can see from my signature, my husband's cancer was largely in situ, with a tiny bit superficially invasive. His was all removed in the excisional biopsy, and he has been checked regularly by the local ENT in Northern Virginia who did that biopsy as well as by an oral cancer specialist at Hopkins -- no further treatment necessary (knock on wood).

If you are interested in physicians in Richmond, look for postings by RichmondGirl -- perhaps she might be able to help you. I am assuming she was treated there but do not know that for a fact -- you could always PM or e-mail her to find out.

You've found a great place to help you through all this. Welcome.

(An aside to JaneP: That's great news about your husband's latest checkup!)