Tonsil Squamous Cell Carcinoma

We are trying to find out if those of you who have/had, or know anyone who has/had tonsil cancer has served in Viet Nam during the time Agent Orange was sprayed. My husband was diagnosed in March 2004 (age 54)with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tonsil. He served from 1969-1970 in the general area of Chu Li. He started smoking when he was in Viet Nam and rarely drank. We would like to know if there is a link between Agent Orange and this type of cancer. We would appreciate any help you could give us give us.

Thanks,

Kandy

Please do not put us on your mailing address.

I have the same cancer never smoked and drink very little. I have a veteran adviser working with me to fight the fact that it is not a listed respitory problem. I have a video conference with a Washington Judge to review my case. I hope to get a positive results.

Dear Kandy,

I have just been informed that one of my closest friends in the world has contracted Squamos Cell Carsinoma of the Piriform Sinus Gland in his throat. He did two tours in Vietnam and was exposed to Agent Orange. His wife has told me they have a VA news letter that states this kind of cancer has been linked to agent orange which was used in the jungle of Vietnam for defoliation. He hasn't smoked for over 25 years and only drinks socially not heavily. This form of cancer has been linked to heavy smokers and drinkers. Neither of these apply.

We are praying for him and we will also include your husband and all the vets that may have been exposed.

Blessings,
Luke

My husband and I both served in Chu Lai in 1970-1971. He was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil last year and completed surgery and radiation treatments. VA has denied his claim for agent orange benefits for the location of his cancer. My contention is that since the other structures that VA has approved are in the same location, then VA should approve this type of cancer. In addition, a lot of people of that generation had their tonsils out when they were children so this makes this type of cancer a rare condition. Have you had any success with VA in this regard?

I was never in Vietnam, am 55 years old.
Smoking is my feeling as to the cause of my
Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Primary in the Left
Tonsil.

I also was in Viet Nam and am registered in the Agent Orange Registry. I have just been diagnosed with the above cancer and wondered if you have had any success with the VA so far?
I just (6/14) had surgery that had confirmed that this was located in/ around my left tonsil.

Thank you My name is Paul A.

My father is a Vietnam Vet and has squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil. He had surgery, which was very successful and soon will be undergoing radiation and possibly chemo. I agree completly that it has to be correlated with Agent Orange since this type of cancer is very rare unless you are a heavy drinker/smoker- which he is neither. We are waiting to see what the VA has to say. I also believe my father contracted Hep C from the war, but the VA won't recognize it, but has recognized his diabetes II. So cancer on top of it all I really hope we can get the smallest of compensation for what he sacrificed for his country. I am also looking to see if anyone has success with the VA regarding this??

I have still not heard for the VA about my claim for the above cancer. If this is a respiratory cancer (Which 2 DR allready concur) then it is considered a disability for the VA. WE will have to ALL fight for our claims. The VA will not give it to you for nothing.
Hope all of the Vets are getting treatment and fighting for the claims.

Paul A.

Are you going through chemo and radiation right now? My friend was just diagnosed with the same thing...

I was not enlisted during the Viet nam war but am a Navy veteran 79-85. Was diagnosed with Tonsil Squamous Cell Carcinoma 4 years ago at age 41. I belive my cancer was smoking related.

Mary