i was diagnosed with Stage 2 (ITS, G1), Squamous cell carcinoma of base of tongue (Left side) in September 2009, surgery was done, the cancerous tissue as well as lymph nodes were removed. later tests showed that cancer had not spread to lymph nodes.
i underwent 28 days of IMRT radiation in November-09.

i was asked to get an MRI done now (i.e. after 4 months) it shows some abnormality on the Right lateral side on the anterior portion of the tongue. What could this be? could this be a possible recurrence?

my doctor says , since i am unable to open my mouth wider, he will have to register general anesthesia and take a sample for biopsy. he is of the opinion that such a localised cancer cannot recur within 4 months and definitely not on the opposite side of the tongue. is this true?

also, he mentions that it could be formation of fibroids (an after effect of surgery and radiation) . Is this possible?

Kindly update me at the earliest since it is very frightening.

thank you
-Anupama Kanbur

Anything is possible including a recurrence.

How old are you?

Were you a tobacco user?

What type of radiation did you receive?

Are you male or female?

I assume it's difficult to get another opinion so if he is hesitant about the biopsy, what does he recommend? Just waiting to see if it resolves itself?

David is right, it could be anything including cancer. What I will say, and it's commonly said on these boards, is that it's NOT cancer until a biopsy says it is.

I know it's hard to do, but take comfort in that advice. Push your Dr to get to the bottom of the issue, but don't let you mind wonder with the possibilities.

Good luck and best wishes,

Eric