This is a public forum and none of us are doctors - just patients and caregivers sharing our experience, strength and hope. All of the posts on this thread have valid points.

Surgeons typically like to cut.

The "Tumor Board" is a mechanism that many CCC's employ where all of the patients doctors convene and jointly hash out the best treatment protocol, then they present the options to the patient. It does seem a little wierd that you haven't even seen the MO or RO yet. It is also strange that there has been no PET (or PET/CT) as part of the initial workup. The MRI is a very accurate and detailed scan for soft tissue. CT's are more commonly given for treatment planning purposes for radiation therapy.

By the way, my PCP is a head & neck surgeon and he recommended against the surgery.

Please bear in mind that each treatment plan is unique and each patient responds differently to treatment. So many of the responses you get should only raise more questions to ask so that you may be your own advocate and be comfortable with the treatment plan that you select.

Definition of "differentiation":
"In cancer, refers to how mature (developed) the cancer cells are in a tumor. Differentiated tumor cells resemble normal cells and tend to grow and spread at a slower rate than undifferentiated or poorly differentiated tumor cells, which lack the structure and function of normal cells and grow uncontrollably."
Source NCI Cancer Definitions. http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=46445

What this means in laymans terms is "poorly differentiated" tumors invade soft tissue, muscle and even bone.