My finance has been diagnosed with SCC, presumably the left tonsil is the primary. For weeks, the primary was undiagnosed, but the radiologist oncologist read the op report in detail and said there were A Typical squamous in the tonsil and he considers this the primary with a diagnosis of tonsillar SCC which as metasized in the lymphnodes. Stage IV. M2B. He had surgery for the tumor removal and 4 lymphnodes. 3 had SCC. Radio/Oncologist recommends radiation and chemo. Doesn't think tonsillectomy or neck dissection necessary at this point. We don't know what to do. I'm thinking maybe tonsillectomy (at least) then radiation w/chemo. Does putting off treatment because of surgery recovery, put you more at risk? Radia/Oncologist says IMRT will kill cancer in the tonsils, but couldn't answer my question regarding a higher risk of reoccurance without tonsillectomy. We're grasping at any info we can get. We haven't tried for a 2nd opinion yet, although Rad/Oncologist brought his case up to the weekly "tumor forum" with 20 oncologists & surgerons. Some surgeons thought tonsillectomy was in order, although overall consesus was to just IMRT/with weekly chemo.
My fiance is 51, non smoker, and occasional drinker. We want to do what's best for his survival with the least invasive treatment.
Any thoughts or info would be appreciated. Our minds are so boggled right now, neither can think straight. What to do???? More surgery or start treatment on 1/30/06?? Thanks.