Hello everybody,

I appreciate your time and response. After reading a lot about cancer diagnosis, I see that usually to see whether lymph nodes are effected or not, ppl go for ultrasonography, CT, CAT, PET.

My Fatherr had only ultrasonography done as recommended by doctor. I have two questions on this now.

1) The report says
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" Evidence of three upper cervical nodes, Maximum 16 x 7 mm, two lt submadibular nodes 11 x 7 mm each. Two rt mandibular nodes also noted of 14 x 6 mm and 10 x 6 mm.

carotid vessles are normal on both sides

parotid and submandibular salivary glands are normal


Conclusion: U S findings are suggestive of small Lt submandibular and Lt upper cervical nodes."
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I am not sure what this exactly means but what I can read from this is that there were two lt submandibular nodes, and 2 rt mandibular nodes.
But why did the conclusion say only about left?

Also, my father was operated to remove 3 lymph nodes from same side as tumor (left side). Submental (3) and Jugualr nodes (1) were removed.
Does this suggest that only left side nodes were effected? How did Dr. decide to remove 3 nodes ?

If anybody can explain this, it will of great help.

Question 2) IS ultrasonography by itself enough diagonosis. Do I need to go for CT or CAT or PET?

Thanks everyone,

Krishna

People,

Kindly respond, I am eagerly waiting for your replies.

Regards,

Krishna

Hi Krishna, I cannot explain much to you only to tell you that I had cancer on my tongue and two lymph nodes also positive for cancer. I had surgery to remove 1/2 of my tongue and radiation for 7 weeks due to the two positive nodes. This was 4 years ago come May 10th. I had a PET scan done prior to my surgery, my oral surgeon wanted to know how much the c had spread. They did the neck dissection and out of I believe 28 nodes 2 were positive. Sorry I cannot help you more, you are in my thoughts....Carol

Thanks, carol.

Sorry to hear about your SCC. I hope you are doing well. When was your surgery done? Did you have any recurrence after that? Did you take any radiation?

My father is going to begin his radiation next week. Doctor has recommended him for conventional radiaotheraphy instead of IMRT. I have read that IMRT is better, than why did not he recommend it?

Also, my father is having blood in his mouth when he gets up in the morning. That is the only time he spits some blood (very little). IS this due to the neck dissection not beingh elad completely? Or is this any symptom? Also, he has a tooth ache after suregery? Has anyone got similar symptoms after surgery.

Thanks,

Krishna

Hi Krishna, I am doing well, thanks so much for asking. I had 7 weeks of radiation. I am coming up on my 4 year anniversary so I am very happy about that!!! I hope things go well for your Dad. Take Care, Carol

Krishna,

I'm afraid I don't know enough to answer your questions on the lymph nodes and didn't have radiation, so have no information on IMRT.

However, I'm sure Brian and others do know. You might re-post your questions on the "Currently in Treatment" board so folks there will see it. You could also try sending Brian (Hill) a private message. He is always very helpful and I'm sure could point you towards the information you need.

One thing I can comment on is the spitting up of blood. How long has it been since his surgery? I wouldn't think that would be caused by the neck dissection, but could be caused by the tongue not healing completely? I wouldn't think it should still be oozing now... About the tooth, I'm guessing the toothache might be related to trauma during the surgery. I know my Aunt had a tooth chipped badly during surgery. Perhaps your Dad's tooth was bumped or jarred in some way. I know my teeth hurt like heck, but it was because of the jaw split. I was lucky not to lose any teeth.

Best of luck to your father as he undergoes radiation and recovery.

Jennifer

Krishna,

I am sorry to hear of your father's challenges. Have you consulted with your father's doctor as to exactly what the pathology report means. He would best be able to address that or send you to the actual pathologist that prepared the report. It sounds like they found suspicious nodes and removed them.

It is common to request a Ct with contrast before the surgery. In my case, I was allergic to the contrast dye so I received an MRI with contrast. The PET/Ct was done several weeks after treatment to allow for more accuracy in interpreting the results as healing will also be indicated on the films.

I am surprised that your father is not receiving chemo with radiation as that would seem to make more sense to, although I am not a doctor and not qualified to second-guess a medical professional.

Scour this website and you can have most of your questions you are posing answered.

Best wishes for your father and he is fortunate to have you by his side trying to find answers and help him make the best possible informed decisions.

Ed

Thanks Jennifer, Ed

You ppl are right. I must start posting now in " Currently under Treatment section" now. I greatly appreciate your response.

Thanks,

Krishna

Some types of cancer have no accepted chemotherapy. My husband had adenocarcinoma
of the base of tongue and the team of doctors
did not recommend surgery due to its morbidity.
Radiation was the only recommendation. We have
since been on two different chemos that were in
Phase I trials. Lymphoma developed during the first and we had to drop out. We will do CT
scan on 5-15-06 to see if the second trial drug
has had any effect on the tumor.
BEST WISHES to you and your father.