Hello all,

I was dx'd in Dec '08 with clear cell adenocarcinoma of a minor salivary gland in the soft tissue adjacent to the hard palate. This is early stage T1N0M0 with no infiltration into the bone of the hard palate. The recommended surgery is additional excision of soft tissue (beyond the bx site) and partial palatectomy.

I'm not clear why the palatectomy is recommended since there is no infiltration into the bone (per the pathologist). I'm told "this is the standard procedure." I'm getting a second opinion later this week.

I'm a serious classical singer and cannot get any answer on how a partial palatectomy will affect my ability to sing. Anyone know?

Just getting acquainted with these boards. Perhaps this is addressed somewhere.