There are basically 3 approaches in treating oral cancer. Surgery, chemo and radiation. Sometimes all three are used but mostly the latter 2 are used concurrently. The idea is to kill the cancer with minimal side effects to the patient. Granted that's hard to do with only those treatment options. Most CCC's, Comprehensive Cancer Centers, try to avoid the surgery when they can, especially Neck Dissections, going right for the chemo/radiation but their decision is obviously dependent upon many many patient and cancer factors. I had 5 different opinions and 3 out of the first 4 included surgery. When I finally got to a CCC. Moffitt, I felt that they had the best plan for me which excluded surgery initially but leaving the option open if needed post Tx.

Before we can be most effective it would help if we knew:

1. How was the cancer found?

2. Did they do a biopsy of the tongue?

3. Did they do a biopsy of any node before surgery?

4. How many nodes were taken and how many tested positive?

5. Did anyone Stage his cancer?

6. What name did they give his cancer?

David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.