Hello,
I have been lurking on this site for a week or so, and love all the valuable information you all share - thank you!

My 44 year old husband, was recently diagnosed with SCC of the tonsil. We have had a CAT scan, PET scan and have seen many Drs with the Radiation Oncologist being just yesterday.

I have a question: 2 of the Drs (ENT and Oncologist) say that he doesn't need surgery and that radiation will give same results) BUT it seems to me from reading this site, many folks DO have surgery? Now when they did his biopsy they did take out most of his right tonsil (70% of it) due to it being ulcerated..so maybe that is wno surgery?? Actually we aren't really wanting the surgery due to the complications but want to make sure we cross off all options.

Also are most radiation oncologists offering the same type of radiation? or shouldwe be looking for a head/neck specialist or cancer center? Thanks so much!

I went to 5 different cancer docs before I was satisfied with the recommended Tx which included radiation and chemo( due to nodal involvement) and NO surgery. Three of the 5 had recommended surgery so I was glad that I ended up at Moffitt which didn't see the need for it pre radiation and so far so good.

Certainly the recommendation for surgery depends upon many many factors including the location of the primary and even the presence of HPV.

Have his cancer cells been tested for HPV?

The only surgery that I had was the removal of my left tonsil, I went thru induction chemo and then 7 weeks of radiation with weekly chemo and so far no other surgery. It all depends on your indiviual situation!! Hope this helps some. Semper-Fi Bob

Go get another opinion from a CCC and let them decide. These places handle many cases of OC and would be the best to decide. It's possible the ENT and Oncologist that said it wasn't necessary are right but be sure.

Welcome to the boards. If Charlotte is convenient to you, let me know. My aunt had absolutely wonderful care here. I completely trust her ENT and surgeon.

Dodie

My North Carolina boy had rads/chemo only with a T4 Base of Tongue/Tonsil cancer. His tumor had crossed the midline of his tongue slightly.

So far, so good...we hit the three year mark on October 1. So far, so good but I am waiting for our trip to Moffitt Cancer Center for a checkup in November to shout out our three year anniversary.

Knowing what I know now, I would call for an appointment at a CCC and take those records for a second opinion. They will most likely back up the treatment plan you now have but that plan will come from a team of doctors that see this everyday.

I know how you are feeling at the moment..I still remember the ton of emotions and the weight of what was happening. Try to shove that to a corner for the moment, call a Cancer Center and get that appointment. Once you have that second opinion, come back here and we will help you thru all this.

Hugs, Deb

Re: North Carolina...hubby is from the coast (Beaufort) and graduated from NC State.

Welcome, I had great results at Duke. Very very happy with Drs there. They seem to know thier business. Let me know if I can assist in any way

Thanks everyone for your warm welcome!
I can't believe how quickly things are moving along! It was only on Sept 2nd that John visited the dentist for a routine exam and now today, 4 weeks later, he was fitted for his mask!

We are going to see a Dr at Wake Forest to get one last opinion, (on surgery) but we are learning more towards radiation (and our Oncologist said he doesn't even need the Chemo! so thats a blessing!)

Has he been tested for HPV?

Welcome!
Sounds as though you are weighing options. That's a great thing. My wife and I have talked frequently about our choice of the surgery first, then ending up having Chemo/Radiation TX anyway, etc., etc. Gather all the information and facts you can, get the best team you can, put your head down and go forward! There are several thought processes and pros/cons out there on the treatment options. Bottom line for me is it all worked out and we're grateful. Do your homework, follow your heart and believe in your choices.
Warm Regards,
Steve