hi everybody, my name is Tommy. On Thursday, we were told by the doctor that my mom is diagnosed with oral tongue cancer after a biopsy performed on her the previous day. The report currently says she has at least squamous cell carcinoma in situ. She also went through a scan on her throat Sat. to see if the virus has spread. She is scheduled to go under surgery this coming Thursday.

Can someone tell me what to expect? Can the biopsy tell what stage the cancer is? How do they find out? The surgeon said she only needs to go through surgery for this. Is that a good sign? Does she need chemo or other treatments?

I am so nervous and in search of answers. I have been having numerous break downs, afraid of losing most beloved person in the world, Mom. And knowing the fear she must be going through. Please if you know anything I would truly apprecite it so much! thanks!

Tommy,

I'm sorry to hear about your Mom.

I had tongue cancer and only surgery. I didn't have radiation or chemo because the cancer had not spread to the lymphnodes. I did have ND to make sure there were no cancer cells hiding. I also had a CT/PET Scan to see if there was any cancer in my lungs and throat.

Her Dr. will tell her what stage when he gets the results from the biopsy and after surgery.

The surgery I had was not as bad as I thought it would be. I know the worry is there I worried myself sick.

Stay strong nothing is going to happen to your Mom. Sounds like she caught it in the early stage.

Take care, Keep us posted.
Connie

Hi Tommy. Welcome to OCF! I know right now seems so difficult for both you and your mother. It will be a long road but your mom can get thru this. You are in the right place for support and info.

The doctor should be able to tell what the stage is with a combination of the biopsy and a PET or CT scan. Is your mother being treated at a cancer center? Has the doctor told you how much of her tongue they will need to take? Has your mother had a second opinion? Sorry for asking so many questions. It helps us to understand your mom's situation better and makes it easier for us to give you guidance.

Best wishes to both you and your mother.

Hi Tommy try not to worry - it's a scary disease - for you and your mom - but she'll get through this - I had tongue cancer - but did have chemo and radiation too. It all depends on how advanced the cancer is and a few other things - your mom should join us - especially if she gas questions. And she should get a second opinion. And be seen at a cancer center... Good luck! And take care and try not to worry.

Thanks for the support everyone!

My mom has gotten a 2nd opinion from another ENT and her primary doctor. But she is going with the one that did the biopsy on her. She's going to undergo surgery at a hospital (Flushing Hospital in New York), I don't think its a cancer center. Its going to be this Thursday which is the earliest time. Should we look at a cancer center? It will lag out the timing longer in order to switch surgeons and hospitals while we're trying to get it done as soon as possible. Should we look at a cancer center? She is being strong, but i know she is frighten from waiting

Shes been saying she feels numbness on her left cheek (cancer found on the side on tongue) and she's always tire. is this normal? I am so worried for her.

sorry the hospital is new york hospital queens. and they do have a cancer center within it.

Dear Tommy, You are getting wonderful information and support from a few of the many knowledgeable people on this forum. These survivors also have the most amazing and positive attitudes of any people I know. If you read other posts they have made, you will find many answers to your questions and, maybe more importantly, some advice that will help quiet your fears.

Waiting is truly difficult. Please try to distract yourself with things you enjoy doing to help take your mind off of it. Also, spend time doing things with your mom--it will help distract both of you. That way, you can really enjoy time with her before she is launched into surgery and treatment and life becomes busy.

Try to remain strong and remember to breathe! It is hard on a person to be worried and afraid all the time. Try to let go of some of the fear and worries--they have no useful purpose and can rob you of energy you will need to help your mom get through surgery and treatment. It is a lot to digest--getting an oral cancer diagnosis and then all the plans that follow. But, in a short while, your shock and fear will be replaced by a resolve to help your mom get through treatment. You will know more and you will probably find comfort in knowing what to expect. You will both get through it. Try not to think too far into the future. Take one step at a time and try to handle things as they come along.

Keep coming here for support and for answers. You are now connected with people who understand and can help guide you. Please keep us posted on how things go with your mom on Thursday.

Sending wishes for peace to you and positive thoughts for your mom,

Sandy

Hey Tommy,

Sorry to hear of the news. I couldn't imagine the feeling seeing my mother getting what I had. I'd much prefer to be in my shoes fighting it myself.

What others have said already is great advice though. It looks like she's been diagnosed very early if they aren't doing radiation/chemotherapy. I'd been to local doctors 3 or 4 times with my 'ulcer' over a 4-6 month period before they finally did the biopsy . That was almost certainly the difference between me catching it early and preventing the spread. Unfortunately by the time they sent me for a biopsy it had spread into my neck.

It's never good news if you've been diagnosed with cancer. But it's extremely positive that she's caught it quite early by the sounds of it.

All the best mate,
Dave

Tommy,

Without knowing everything if I were your Mom I would get another opinion from a CCC http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/resources/cancer_centers.htm
before I would receive any Tx. One thing you posted above really concerns me and that is ...."we were told by the doctor that my mom is diagnosed with oral tongue cancer after a biopsy performed on her the previous day." I have never heard of a bio turnaround that fast at a local ENT's office. Most take 2 weeks to come back so I seriously doubt THAT bio could have been confirmed in one day. Another thing that concerns me was your statement...."The report currently says she has at least squamous cell carcinoma in situ. She also went through a scan on her throat Sat. to see if the virus has spread. She is scheduled to go under surgery this coming Thursday. Again I have never heard of any cancer doc use that term "at least SCC". Never seen 2 different cancers in the oral cavity at the same time. Re the "see if the virus has spread"...the only virus associated with SCC is HPV and IF she has cancer and IF it's HPV related it doesn't spread within the oral cavity but usually to a node or two which could only be detected with a PET or another sophisticated scan which I'm not sure she had since you only mention the word scan.

Anyway IF your Mom does have SCC then she needs to get the best possible treatment options available and she stands the best chance of receiving that at a CCC.

Hi Dave, sorry that was my mistake on the results for the biopsy. It was a week. I am so nervous I really wasnt thinking correctly. I am a bit calmer now so i will list the steps.

Biopsy test - 6/9

Results came in - 6/16
(SCC in-situ, but my mom is seeing another white spot inside her mouth that they didn't do a biopsy on, is that related?)

Scan on the neck with IV injection - 6/17
(can some1 tell me what this scan is called?)

Appointment with doc. on treatment - 6/22

Surgery scheduled - 6/23

Thank you all for the support!