We got the dreaded confirmation today. My husband's biopsy indicates stage 3 oral cancer. The dentist said it is stage 3. I cannot find that on the report, but I assume he knows. I know no one here is a doctor, but if anyone has any insight I would appreciate it. The report is over my head. I know we need to get an oncologist asap. But for now I sure would appreciate any encouragement about stage 3 that anyone has to offer. I am so scared.
The report itself says "Diagnosis : Tongue, Lateral right, biopsy: Epithelial dysplasia mild. Microscopic Description Tongue, Lateral Right: Histologic examination reveals an ulcerated stratified squamous epithelium and underlying fibrous connective tissue. The epithelium demonstrates parabasilar hyperplasia, cellular disorientation, and increased mitotic activity which extends approximately one third the distance up from the basal cells. Note: becausr dysplasia and carcinoma can occur simultaneously, all lesions diagnosed as dysplasia must either be removed or monitored with care.
Anatomic site procedure and clinical impression : tongue, lateral right: Biopsy Squamous cell carcinoma.

Im so sorry!!! Boy is that pathologists report difficult to understand for non-medical professionals. Thats an entirely new language consisting of only medical jargon.

Dont let the stage get you upset. Ive seen many people come thru here as Stage 4 (myself included) and get thru it just fine. Take things one step at a time. I definitely recommend reading and learning about OC. The better you understand it, the stronger an advocate you will be. Focus on what is controllable and avoid the "what if" thinking as much as possible. That way of thinking will only get you upset and not help you or your husband in any way.

If possible, try to get your husband into a comprehensive cancer center (CCC). The link is at the bottom of this post. A CCC is where all the specialists are working together with a team based approach. They are all on the same page working to create the treatment plan in their tumor board meetings (patients and caregivers can attend).

Main OCF Site, Understanding section

List of Cancer Centers

US News Best Hospitals List

Main OCF Website... Financial Assistance including Air travel/Lodging

Hang in there!!! You have us to lean on and help to guide you.

My husband also diagnosed with stage 3 last week. One node involved. If you are still on site can you update me on your husbands txand progress since we are just starting this journey.

My husband was dx with BOT with 1 lymph node involvement stage 3 initially also on February 25th. However, after biopsy from surgery on March 7th returned, he was downgraded to Stage 1 due to HPV POS status, even though surgery with total right radical neck showed a microscopic involvement of 2nd lymph node and the large node had extra cellular extension. There are new staging for HPV POS because it generally responds better to treatment. Once initial dx was done we prayed for HPV. Get your biopsy reports, set your plan and stay positive. You will see many on here that have long, hard survival journeys. It’s not an easy treatment but doable from what many say. Get to the best comprehensive cancer center you can reasonable manage, don’t play around and have regrets that you didn’t drive that extra couple hours. Good luck. This site has been a great resource and support system.

mine was diagnosed with stage 4a in July 2018. He had lots of lymph node involvement and HPV. He is having a biopsy tomorrow on his adenoids as it's suspicious. They want to see if it's inflammation or new cancer. There is always hope and treatment has become so much more effective these days. Best wishes