Hello. I have been creeping around the forums for about a week...learning. I am a 48 year old female who quit smoking 4 years ago but still "vape" now and then with an electronic cig. I drink a couple of mixed drinks or glasses of wine an evening. Guess I'm confessing my sins right up front. Lol. I teach HS Chemistry and Math and am from Texas. After 14 months of white patches on my tongue (LS toward the back), and 3 biopsies, I was diagnosed today with SCC. Oral Surgeon referring me to another Oral Surgeon who is the head of the Head and Neck "department" of a Medical Center near me. The OS #2 has a 41 page resume' with several papers about the treatment of SCC listed. He lists Head and Neck Oncology as one of his surgical specialties. I hope I will be in good hands. OS #1 said surgery should be all I need. My lesion is about the size of a Lima Bean. Should I be worried that chemo or radiation aren't being recommended? Seems like most of you have had more than surgery?

Hi there, I'm so sorry about your diagnosis. You've done a great job persisting through 3 biopsies to get an answer. It's often valuable to get a second opinion. If nothing else it gives you more confidence. Sounds like OS #2 has a nice CV. Personally I would want to know that at least 50% of his/her practice was head and neck. You want somebody who does this all day long.

& bully for you quitting cigs, that's a fantastic accomplishment!

Hi ChemTeach,

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. You're in a good place for info and encouragement for sure. There are a lot of very knowledgeable people here.

If you've been lurking then you've seen many recommend a 2nd opinion. It's just a prudent thing to do. Seek out a CCC near you and see what they have to say. Most CCCs use a team approach which bodes well for the patient. Having confidence in your team is vital for your attitude and success IMO.

Here is a list of the top rated Cancer hospitals in the US.

Cancer Center Ratings

I see you're in Tx. MD Anderson is #1 in the country. A CCC will have seen more in terms of quantity of cases and diversity as well as have the latest technology.

Information and knowledge will be your best ally as you begin the journey.

Positive thoughts and prayers

"T"

I 2nd for a 2nd opinion at a CCC. It also depends on the size of the tumor, and other pathology, prognostic factors like negative margins from surgery, perineural or lymphovascular invasion, other involvement to have chemo and radiation added. Small T1-T2 oral cancer are often treated with surgery, with or without radiation, chemo or radiation alone. It also depends on the doctors experience, patients request.

Thanks for the warm welcome and immediate advice. Will let everyone know what this 2nd Dr. Has to say. Dr. #1 said the same thing about having a surgeon that "does this type of surgery everyday" when he referred me to Dr. #2. I am scheduled to see him Tuesday of next week. Just going to try to stay busy until then and look further into MD Anderson vs. LSUS in Shreveport (Willis-Knighton). Thanks again.

Welcome to OCF! Sorry to hear you have been given the bad news of having SCC. You have found a great place for info and support. We will help you get thru this.

Im glad to hear you will be taking the good advice you have been given about heading to a CCC. The team based approach of the countrys top doctors along with adhering to the NCI guidelines has been scientifically proven to be beneficial to the outcome of the patient. They have experience in treating hundreds of oral cancer patients each year while smaller facilities may only see a case once or twice a year.

Best wishes!

MD is supposed to be top notch. And what is supposed to be isn't always as simple as it seems I second the second opinion. This cancer can be aggressive. No dr. Can tell you at that should be it until after the area is fully removed and the pathology has come back. Have you had a PET, CT or MRI yet? Hugs and welcome.

Just wanted to say welcome chemteacher. Sorry about your dx. As you can see this is a wonderful place for speedy opinions, medical advice, and tips and hints on getting through this. We will all be here to help you get through.

I have not had any imaging tests yet. Just 3 biopsies and referral to new doctor. Will know more after Tuesday's consultation. If this guy doesn't suggest some type of imaging test.....my alarms are going to go off!!!!

Told my Principal and co-workers today. Receiving lots of support, love, and prayers.

It's still hard for me to believe I have CANCER. I feel fine....except for this sore tongue. It just hasn't sunk in yet. This is serious, isn't it.?!?. One well meaning co-worker told me...."oh I know what SCC is, my mother had that on her forehead....it's no big deal.....don't worry...." I keep going back and forth.....this is CANCER......to....it's just a bump on my tongue that's like a bad mole....the size of a LIMA BEAN...!!!!!! Yes....I know this is more than just a bad spot on my skin.....

I recall going through a similar train of thought. I had a swollen gland. I felt fine otherwise. How can this be cancer? However, I had a gut feeling something was amiss prior to my diagnosis.

I really didn't feel anything until just before my neck dissection and even then it was just some pressure from the tumor pressing on structures and nerves. No pain at all.

I know... "we" know what you're going through. It's going to be Ok. You're going to be Ok. Take a deep breath, read up here and learn as much as you can during the following weeks and seek a second opinion regardless of how things go next week.

Positive thoughts and prayers

"T"