My father has just been diagnosed with tongue cancer. It is in its early stages. He will be undergoing surgery soon. He does not smoke or drink. The doctor says that after surgery he may possibly need a little radiation therapy.

I wanted to know if there is anyone else out there who has had a similar experience and can share some of their knowledge with me.

I am nervous, anxious and new to all this.

Any advice would be helpful.

THANK YOU

My husband had sugery in February for tonsil,tongue and soft palate cancer. He is now in Radiation and we are hoping for the best. It is very scary but you need to give him all the support that you can. This is a great site for information and support. Good luck, let me know if you need any advice from what I have experienced. Becky

Hi Diva
I was diagnosed with SCC on my tongue in Dec 98. Since then I have had biopsies and surgeries to remove additional tumors resulting in 40% of my tongue being removed and replaced witha skin graft from my left arm. So I have a new tongue!!!
As with any type of cancer it has to be watched very closely by your ENT. I never smoked but did drink alcohol socially until this was diagnosed. There are many theories as to why or how this type of cancer occurs and the best place i found to get info on this cancer is the American Cancer Society and they will answer youir questions as they did mine. Certainly this website is useful as well to gain knowledge and insight from fellow survivors who understand your frustration. I dont know if I helped you but I am sure somebody will.
Good luck to you and your family and god bless.
Bob K.

Hi Diva,

My experience may be close to what your dad is facing. I was diagnosed with Stage I SCC of the tongue. My treatment has consisted of surgery only thus far on my journey. I have difficulty eating post partial glossectomy with a graft of synthetic material, but I am only limited by my discomfort. I am gradually venturing into solid food that I cut small and manage on one side of my mouth. I saw the doctor yesterday and have been released to return to work on a part time basis starting May 12. I return in 6 weeks for another check.

As far as a timeline of treatment, I saw the dentist March 5, biopsy March 10, received diagnosis March 14, met ENT March 28, CT April 10, surgery April 14 with 5 day hospital stay (2 days in ICU due to airway issues from swelling)
April 21 stitches, bolster for graft and neck dissection drain removed, given clean path report on lymph nodes so no radiation. May 7th recheck and release for work.

I hope this is helpful. Best of luck to your dad and family! You all are in my prayers.