#81195 09-27-2008 08:07 PM | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 5 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 5 | Hi, my name is Ryan and I'm new to this. I had a small ulcer removed from my tounge last week. The pathology report came back yesterday, and the diagnosis found Squamous cell carcinoma, moderatly well differetiated. My oral surgeon explained some of what is going on, but I still feel a little lost. He told me that someone from the University of Washington would be contacting me to come in for some tests. So if anyone has some insight to what will go on, or what to expect, or anything to do or say I would appreciate it. Thanks! | | | | | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 716 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 716 | Hi Ryan,
Welcome to OCF. You came to the right place, a lot of great people with the right advice.
Did they remove the whole tumor or was it just a biopsy? If removed then it's possible they have gotten clean margins. And that would be excellent. Did they say what kind of tests? Have you been referred to an ENT that specializes in cancer? It seems like you did the right thing and got on top of this early. You're in a good place, continue course and be proactive in taking care of this diagnosis.
You'll get great answers and support from this site because of individual experiences. You'll be fine.
7-16-08 age 37@Dx, T3N0M0 SCC 4.778cm tumor, left side of oral tongue, non smoker, casual drinker, I am the 4th in my family to have H&N cancer
8-13-08 left neck dissection and 40% of tongue removed, submandibular salivary gland & 14 nodes clean, no chemo, IMRTx35
11-4-08 Recovering & feeling better
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | You will probably have a Pet Scan to see if it's possibly spread to your neck nodes. Did they say how large they thought the tumor was? Where on your tongue? Were you a tobacco user? Age? How did you/they fond the tumor in the first place?
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 5 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 5 | It was just a biopsy. I dont think they said how large it was, it was located on the left lateral side. I have never been a consistant tobacco user, more of a social smoker about 5 yrs ago. Ive had a little sore on my tounge for about 5 or 6 yrs, I never really thought much of it. It was sore from time to time but never a major problem. The size never changed. I went to the dentist about 3 wks ago, and was referred to a oral surgeon. Im 27 yrs old. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Hi Ryan
As you can see by my signature below, I had scc also on the left lateral border of the tongue. Mine was moderately differentiated also.
When you find out more information about what the proposed treatment is let us know. If you would like to speak to me directly,at any time, you can find my email address by putting your cursor over the wilckdds on the left side and then click on profile on the drop down list. Send me your phone number and I will call you.
'
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | You did the right thing by going to a Dr for your tongue. You will get a cat scan and maybe a pet scan. Possibly an MRI. None are good but necessary at times. Good luck and best of wishes to you.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 228 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 228 | Welcome to the young with oral cancer club. I am 23 and just finished treatments at the end of July. After my biopsy I had a PET scan and then surgery, followed by radiation and chemo. I'm sorry you are part of this group now, but I'm glad you found the site! The people here are really helpful and you can find a lot of information as well. Keep us posted on what treatment path they decide.
Stephanie, 23, SCC on the right side of my tongue, surgery on 5-19-08, over half my tongue removed, free flap constructed from my forearm, bilateral neck dissection, one positive node. Radiation (32) and chemo (carboplatin) started on 6-16-08. Recurrence 4/09 in lungs.
**** Stephanie passed away 12.15.09.... RIP our dear friend****
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 5 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 5 | Thanks for every ones help so far. I'll keep everyone posted on what going on. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 |
Ryan
Welcome to OCF. There is lots of support and knowledge here on OCF. Check out all the info on the main pages too. You will find tons of info and lots of support on the forum.
You are very young to be going thru this. That is an advantage you will have. It will make it easier to heal quickly.
It will make it easier to help you if you would try to add a signature with some info about your OC. That way people wont keep asking you the same questions over and over to try to answer any questions you have.
Best of luck to you.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,128 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,128 | by good fortune, you are being pushed in the right directions -- The UDub Medical Center is a Comprehensive Cancer Center, in concert with the Fred Hutchinson and they will bring a diverse number professional together to look at your case -- Since they see hundreds of cases annually, they have a lot of experience.
BE sure to take someone with you to take notes and ask questions that you may miss -- It's important for you to know what the plan is so you can be ready for it.
Age 67 1/2
Ventral Tongue SCC T2N0M0G1 10/05
Anterior Tongue SCC T2N0M0G2 6/08
Base of Tongue SCC T2N0M0G2 12/08
Three partial glossectomy (10/05,11/05,6/08), PEG, 37 XRT 66.6 Gy 1/06
Neck dissection, trach, PEG & forearm free flap (6/08)
Total glossectomy, trach, PEG & thigh free flap (12/08)
On August 21, 2010 at 9:20 am, Pete went off to play with the ratties in the sky.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 46 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 46 | I second what PeteD says about the UW: You'll get first-rate care there. And having someone along with you for appointments is super helpful. Keep asking questions of those on this board. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience here, so don't be afraid to ask whatever comes to mind. That said, it will be easier for people to answer you once you have more specifics on your diagnosis and planned treatment. Hang in there! -Tricia
CG to spouse, tonsillar SCC, T2N0M0, tonsillectomy 9/06, 35 rad tx finished 12/06, no chemo. Positive PET 3/07 in tonsillar fossa (residual tumor), surgery 4/2/07 composite resection tonsillar fossa and BOT w/forearm graft and right ND.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 5 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 5 | My appointment is on the 8th so I'll keep everyone posted. Thank you for all your help and support. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Ryan,
Happy to see that you have an appointment now. Wednesday will be here before you know it.
You have my number so don't hesitate to call again...anytime.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 5 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 5 | Well went to the doctor today. He told me that it was a size 1 lesion, and that was good because it was caught early. He also felt my lymphnodes and didnt notice anything. I'm scheduled for a cat scan on the 21st just to make sure. The doctor also said it should all be removeable with surgery. He didnt think that would be any need for radiation or chemo as long as the cat scan comes back clear. If all goes well they want to do the surgery on the 28th. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 531 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 531 | Congrats Ryan that is wonderful news for sure...I know what the waiting is like. my doctor was great did the same thing and he was right. They know what they are doing for sure. Best of luck with your cat scan and surgery...It will be easier than you think...
Dianne..treatment at cc at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario...insulin dependant, Surgery Sept 8/08 Tracheotomy,composite resection and bilateral neck dissection, left radial forearm free flap... T2N0 squamous cell carcinoma. No radiation A little over 2 yrs clear YAY
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Congrats on being treated by good Drs. I'll be watching for your posts. Darkeyes is right on. It won't be as bad as one would think.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 212 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 212 | Hi Ryan,
Sounds like your diagnosis is much like my initial diagnosis. I too had SCC on the left lateral tongue...small tumor, early Stage I. The doctors at MDACC felt mine could be treated solely with surgery and so I had a partial glossectomy and the tumor was removed. It was small enough and well defined so I was able to avoid the neck dissection. No chemo nor radiation. Be glad to answer any questions about the experience...sounds like you caught it early and you should come through the surgery with flying colors.
Susan
Cancer of Tongue, SCC early Stage 1, Dx 3/13/07, partial glossectomy 4/14/07 found no residual carcinoma and a granular cell tumor with pseudo epitheliomatous hyperplasia.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Hey Ryan,
I've missed the forum for a couple of days and was happy to find your good report upon getting on today.
Call if you have any questions and I look forward to seeing your reports here.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
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