First, I just want to say that this forum is absolutely amazing. I have been able to find out so much information that has helped answer many of my questions.
My dad had Bell's Palsy about a year ago and since then has had terrible migraines on a daily basis. He recently got insurance and was able to have an MRI. They MRI showed a tumor on the back of his tongue. He had a biopsy yesterday and so far the results have come back as inconclusive. We are still waiting for the 24-48hr results. His doctor seems to be fairly certain that he has cancer and I'm wondering why she seems so sure (my parents live in the Midwest so I am not able to be there to ask these questions myself). Does anyone know the odds of having a benign tumor on the BOT? I'm wondering if that is why she seems so sure.

Hi Gracie! Im sorry that you are here looking for info to help your father. Unfortunately only a biopsy will be able to tell if the tumor is cancerous. I am not a big believer in statistics. Im a 3 time oral cancer survivor and I have beat the odds! I hope your father is not another oral cancer patient. But if he is then you have come to the right place for support and info. If the biopsy comes back positive then its best to take him to a cancer center. Best wishes with the results!!!

She may be speaking from experience, and likely knowledge. Not to say that she can't be wrong because most of what dr.s do is educated guessing... That may be why she seems so certain. Unfortunately you'll have to wait...
My fingers crossed it's not cancer. Take care.

Hi Gracie,

Second opinions are a really good idea.

My husband has had myriad problems with doctors' missteps during the DX process of a lymph node BX. This included poorly planned testing, inappropriate TX planning, basing DX and TX on a scan, basing DX on HPV status. The absense of an identifiable tumor further complicated the process. We sought a 2nd opinion from a Comprehensive Cancer Center. They diagnosed him with a Branchial Cleft Cyst which is congenital and benign but often mimics SCC HN.

Surgeons often have a feeling about the absence or presence of cancer. But, only a pathologist can tell for sure...and sometimes they are wrong if they aren't cancer specialists (as might be the case with my husband.) CCC pathologists are more experienced with DX'ing cancer than perhaps those at a regional hospital. Also, in my husband's case, if the path had received an SCC tumor to look at, the DX would have been much easier and probably definitive.

Good luck!

Sandy

While there are growths that are benign that can occur anywhere in the oropharynx, (these would be mostly non malignant papillomas) this area is particularly rich ground for squamous cell carcinoma to develop with an HPV16 etiology. If this biopsy at the next stage is still uncertain, have it repeated by a different doctor and lab. You need to know for certain as early as possible.

Thank you so much everyone for all of your responses. He has a PET scan scheduled for next week. In 2 weeks he is going to the University of Chicago CCC to get a second opinion.