I am posting this for my husband,who just found out yesterday that he has squamos cell carcinoma on his tonsil. When the doctor told me the diagnosis, I was shocked to say the least. I had never known about oral cancer. We haven't found out the stage of the cancer, but we are scared because it is quite large. We'll see what happens. If anyone has any advice, I would appreciate it. Chere

Welcome to this site, Chere. You are in the right place to get lots of information and compassionate support from people who have been where you and your husband are. My son's cancer was not on his tonsil, but a lot of people here have had the type your husband has and have come thru just fine. Until you find out more, take a look a the information available from the links on the home page and from the search feature. This can help you with questions you might have for the doctor or for asking questions here. Can you tell us more about what the doctor said or if surgery is planned or the kind of treatment suggested? I know it's a sick, scary feeling when you first find out, but the more you can find out, the better prepared you will be to fight it and start feeling in control. I'm sure you will be hearing from others here so stay close and know that we are here for you.

Thanks for the information. I will look at some of the links on the home page. I want to find out as much as I can. We just found out on Tuesday that it is SCC but we don't know the stage yet. My husband went in to have his tonsils removed but the doctor did a biopsy and found that it was SCC. My husband is having a CT scan tomorrow. His doctor is scheduling an appt. at the Mayo clinic in Phoenix, so then I will know more.

Chere - the more advanced the stage is does not always mean a poorer outcome. If you search from the home page of this site for "staging" you will get to:

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/stages_cancer.htm

This has some really good information on the stages. Lots of people here with advanced stages have had very successful outcome. So the stages don't always dictate the outcome. It's good your husband is having a CT scan. You can also get lots of info on CT scans. Are you anywhere near Tucson? There is a Comprehensive Cancer Center there if you want to find out more about what they are. Just go here:
http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/resources/cancer_centers.htm
You could also ask if the doctor you are seeing is part of a Cancer group where they all get together for a team approach to suggesting types of treatment.
I know the waiting is so-o-o hard, but try not to worry too much until you know something for sure. When I first found out about my son's cancer, I found that taking deep breaths, exercise and keeping busy helped - and especially coming here for answers. Let us know what happens.

Dear Chere

I'm sorry about your husband's diagnosis of SCC, it is a shock when you hear those words. As Anne-Marie has said, an advanced stage does not necessarily mean it is untreatable. Five years ago this week I was told I had Stage 4 tonsil cancer and yet after treatment I am well and leading a normal life apart from dry mouth etc.

From my experience I would say that acceptance is the key to being able to deal with the journey you are both undertaking. Support for you both will make a difference and you have found a wonderful source here of understanding and knowledge.

I send best wishes to you both, love from Helen

Chere,

Please tell us more about your husband...

like his age,
smoking habits, if any
drinking habits, if any
why he decided to have his tonsils removed
what doctors he's been to so far
and what they have told you about SCC.

The more we know, the better our responses can be.

This is a great site and you will find it invaluable as we all have.

my husband is 42 years old, is physically fit and has never smoked and seldom drinks alcohol. he decided to have his tonsils removed because his right tonsil is huge and was hindering his swallowing and talking. When the ENT doctor went to take it out, the doctor realized it was not just a swollen tonsil and had a piece of his tonsil biopsied. That is how we found out it was SCC. We will know more after he gets his CT scan. It is hard because we dont know exactly what we're dealing with. It is very encouraging to hear that it is possible to overcome this. Thanks, Chere

Chere,

It is a very strong probability that HPV 16 has caused his SCC and you should get him tested. Studies have shown that HPV+ SCC responds better to Tx and the chances of reoccurance is less when compared to tobacco related SCC. Some docs are even questioning the standard Tx protocal when addressing HPV. If you want to discuss off line you can e me at [email protected]

I had the same thing--big tonsil for 3 years. When I went in for my tonsillectomy they had no idea they were going after a tumor. They took the tonsils out. The small one was infected, the big one had a tumor, HPV+. Needless to say, I was shocked with that info coming out of anesthesia. They didn't get clean margins on the tumor since they didn't know they were going in after it. Therefore I needed chemo, radiation, and peg tube. I also got a second opinion--my first doc said one side radiation only, the second doc(Dana Farber)said chemo, and both sides radiation. I didn't enjoy it, but I went with the second opininion. Got through it, and I'm doing fine now. I wish you the best.