Tongue flap reconstruction, likely selective ND - 09-07-2020 12:25 AM
Hello all,
I'm writing on behalf of my husband, 47, who has stage 1-2 tongue SCC. Surgery scheduled Oct 1 at Huntsman in Salt Lake City.
CT of neck/soft tissue and chest show negative. The ND has been recommended because of risk for spread and, as I understand it, because the neck will be open for the flap reconstruction. Also, his cancer cells are poorly differentiated, or at least partly poorly (not well differentiated at least), so I guess slightly higher risk of spread.
It's all overwhelming, to say the least (nothing new on this forum, I understand)
Main concerns (above and beyond long term survival, which is of course a concern), are effects of ND. The surgeon has explained risks for possible shoulder function damage, which is my husbands greatest fear. His biggest joy in life, outside of his family, is mountain biking. I guess what we're looking for are peoples' stories of how the ND has affected their neck and shoulder. If damage occurs, how much can be rehabilitated?
The surgeon has said plan would be for removal of nodes levels 1-3. I have read that preservation of level 2b could possibly reduce risk of harm to shoulder function. Has anyone here done this?
The other (less recommended) option the surgeon offered was for him to do a sentinel node biopsy, instead of ND, and to follow the path of that SN. We understand there is possibly more long term risk with this procedure. But i've read lots of articles that say that in an N0 neck, that perhaps it is a viable option?
Also, in regards to the flap reconstruction... hair on the tongue? I couldn't believe it when my husband first mentioned this concern, but of course the surgeon verified that this is very possible. Anyone that can share their experience? It can be removed surgically if it happens? Is this effective?
I know this perhaps should be the least of our concerns, but let's face it, the psychological side of things can have a great affect on your prolonged life.
Happy to hear people's feedback, and words of encouragement.
Thanks to all. I know you've collectively been through so much. Your time and presence on this support page are so appreciated.
LB
PS my husband was first diagnosed in 2006. He has had two tongue surgeries, same day sugeries. This one coming up is of course is MUCH more involved
His cancer is HPV -
He is a never smoker, social drinker (but never heavy drinker)
I'm writing on behalf of my husband, 47, who has stage 1-2 tongue SCC. Surgery scheduled Oct 1 at Huntsman in Salt Lake City.
CT of neck/soft tissue and chest show negative. The ND has been recommended because of risk for spread and, as I understand it, because the neck will be open for the flap reconstruction. Also, his cancer cells are poorly differentiated, or at least partly poorly (not well differentiated at least), so I guess slightly higher risk of spread.
It's all overwhelming, to say the least (nothing new on this forum, I understand)
Main concerns (above and beyond long term survival, which is of course a concern), are effects of ND. The surgeon has explained risks for possible shoulder function damage, which is my husbands greatest fear. His biggest joy in life, outside of his family, is mountain biking. I guess what we're looking for are peoples' stories of how the ND has affected their neck and shoulder. If damage occurs, how much can be rehabilitated?
The surgeon has said plan would be for removal of nodes levels 1-3. I have read that preservation of level 2b could possibly reduce risk of harm to shoulder function. Has anyone here done this?
The other (less recommended) option the surgeon offered was for him to do a sentinel node biopsy, instead of ND, and to follow the path of that SN. We understand there is possibly more long term risk with this procedure. But i've read lots of articles that say that in an N0 neck, that perhaps it is a viable option?
Also, in regards to the flap reconstruction... hair on the tongue? I couldn't believe it when my husband first mentioned this concern, but of course the surgeon verified that this is very possible. Anyone that can share their experience? It can be removed surgically if it happens? Is this effective?
I know this perhaps should be the least of our concerns, but let's face it, the psychological side of things can have a great affect on your prolonged life.
Happy to hear people's feedback, and words of encouragement.
Thanks to all. I know you've collectively been through so much. Your time and presence on this support page are so appreciated.
LB
PS my husband was first diagnosed in 2006. He has had two tongue surgeries, same day sugeries. This one coming up is of course is MUCH more involved
His cancer is HPV -
He is a never smoker, social drinker (but never heavy drinker)