Base Of Tongue

I have  base of tongue cancer.  It is  a T2 but has involved  a lymph node (one) of three. 

It was originally diagnosed as a branchial cleft cyst, after a CAT scan and a Fine Needle draw which my ENT said both confirmed that it was not cancerous.  The cyst was shaped such that it looked to be non- cancerous and the biopsy of the FNA said no cancerous cells were found.

  I went into the hospital thinking that I was having a cyst removed.  It turned out the mass was cancerous and had one lymh node of three with cancer.  Later I had a PET and they did a biopsy based on that and said it is base of tongue cancer. 

I begin radiation in a week. But I am being told that I do not need chemo.  This seems very strange to me.  Am very greatful for this site...since I am getting a much better sense of how to prepare myself for the future.

My question...I am being told I do NOT need chemo.  Can anyone comment please.  I had always thought that once a node was involved chemo was automatic.   Any information would be greatly appeciated.

Thanks 

 

 

 

 

My story is similiar, except it was left tonsil. Three ent dr's told me it was just a cyst. When it was removed, the biposy showed cancer.

 

I was Stage one. T-1, N-0, M-0.

So, I had 35 radiation treatments, no surgery, no chemo. I will be tested next Wednesday (5 weeks after radiation) to confirm they killed it all. It is not uncommon for just radiation if caught early.

Good luck and hang in there. The road can be a bit tough, but many have traveled it succesfully.

God Bless,

Rick

 

On 3/26/2008 rick51 wrote:

My story is similiar, except it was left tonsil. Three ent dr's told me it was just a cyst. When it was removed, the biposy showed cancer.

 

I was Stage one. T-1, N-0, M-0.

So, I had 35 radiation treatments, no surgery, no chemo. I will be tested next Wednesday (5 weeks after radiation) to confirm they killed it all. It is not uncommon for just radiation if caught early.

Good luck and hang in there. The road can be a bit tough, but many have traveled it succesfully.

God Bless,

Rick

Thank you so much for your response.  It is comforting to know that you were told the same, that radiation was the correct treatment. 

My thoughts are with you for great results Wed. 

D.

 

On 3/26/2008 D1211 wrote:

I have  base of tongue cancer.  It is  a T2 but has involved  a lymph node (one) of three. 

It was originally diagnosed as a branchial cleft cyst, after a CAT scan and a Fine Needle draw which my ENT said both confirmed that it was not cancerous.  The cyst was shaped such that it looked to be non- cancerous and the biopsy of the FNA said no cancerous cells were found.

  I went into the hospital thinking that I was having a cyst removed.  It turned out the mass was cancerous and had one lymh node of three with cancer.  Later I had a PET and they did a biopsy based on that and said it is base of tongue cancer. 

I begin radiation in a week. But I am being told that I do not need chemo.  This seems very strange to me.  Am very greatful for this site...since I am getting a much better sense of how to prepare myself for the future.

My question...I am being told I do NOT need chemo.  Can anyone comment please.  I had always thought that once a node was involved chemo was automatic.   Any information would be greatly appeciated.

Thanks 

 

 

 

 

I am not a medical professional, nor am I familiar with a stage II base of tounge cancer, but what I can tell you is to get a SECOND OPINION! This type of cancer can be treated, but make sure you are getting the right treatment. This may be okay, but please make sure to talk to someone else. I wish you the best, and if you have any other questions, let me know!

Aimee

Hi: I too had BOT cancer which was only discovered during prep for a sinus polyp removal operation.  When discovered the doctors said that it was there for about three years. Unfortunatly I was stage 4.  I had bracheotherapy and a neck operation where 13 of 30 lymph nodes were found cancerous.  I followed up with only one chemo and six weeks of direct radiation. I am now one year out and based on my latest cat scan am cancer free.  So the need for chemo is not strong. However, I would warn you that if you get both types of radiation be careful that they don't overdo the direct radiation once you have the seeds. Because, as with me the excess radiation caused burning of the esophagus and nine months with a feeding tube. I think you are early in the game and should be able to beat this.  good luck and god bless.  Ed 

 

On 4/1/2008 Ejw00100 wrote:

Hi: I too had BOT cancer which was only discovered during prep for a sinus polyp removal operation.  When discovered the doctors said that it was there for about three years. Unfortunatly I was stage 4.  I had bracheotherapy and a neck operation where 13 of 30 lymph nodes were found cancerous.  I followed up with only one chemo and six weeks of direct radiation. I am now one year out and based on my latest cat scan am cancer free.  So the need for chemo is not strong. However, I would warn you that if you get both types of radiation be careful that they don't overdo the direct radiation once you have the seeds. Because, as with me the excess radiation caused burning of the esophagus and nine months with a feeding tube. I think you are early in the game and should be able to beat this.  good luck and god bless.  Ed 

Thanks so much for your reply.  Glad to hear that you are doing well, and appreciate the recommendtion about the seeds. 

 

On 3/28/2008 Glitterrgirl wrote:

 

On 3/26/2008 D1211 wrote:

I have  base of tongue cancer.  It is  a T2 but has involved  a lymph node (one) of three. 

It was originally diagnosed as a branchial cleft cyst, after a CAT scan and a Fine Needle draw which my ENT said both confirmed that it was not cancerous.  The cyst was shaped such that it looked to be non- cancerous and the biopsy of the FNA said no cancerous cells were found.

  I went into the hospital thinking that I was having a cyst removed.  It turned out the mass was cancerous and had one lymh node of three with cancer.  Later I had a PET and they did a biopsy based on that and said it is base of tongue cancer. 

I begin radiation in a week. But I am being told that I do not need chemo.  This seems very strange to me.  Am very greatful for this site...since I am getting a much better sense of how to prepare myself for the future.

My question...I am being told I do NOT need chemo.  Can anyone comment please.  I had always thought that once a node was involved chemo was automatic.   Any information would be greatly appeciated.

Thanks 

 

 

 

 

I am not a medical professional, nor am I familiar with a stage II base of tounge cancer, but what I can tell you is to get a SECOND OPINION! This type of cancer can be treated, but make sure you are getting the right treatment. This may be okay, but please make sure to talk to someone else. I wish you the best, and if you have any other questions, let me know!

Aimee

Thanks for your reply.  It is sound advise to get a second opinion.  Appreciate it.

Hi, I'm two years and six months out from treatmeant of same diagnosis.

T1N2M0 base of tongue squamous cell. All research I found recommended concurent chemo&radiation which I did. So far Pet scans have been clean. It is a rough and sometimes harsh road but the best chance for a cure. Take Care and Good Luck!

Mike

 

On 4/24/2008 mulls427 wrote:

Hi, I'm two years and six months out from treatmeant of same diagnosis.

T1N2M0 base of tongue squamous cell. All research I found recommended concurent chemo&radiation which I did. So far Pet scans have been clean. It is a rough and sometimes harsh road but the best chance for a cure. Take Care and Good Luck!

Mike

Thanks for your reply.  Yes it is a rough road but I am doing my best. So glad you have had a good outcome, makes me know it is worth it.

D.