Hi all, I recently posted to introduce myself - I was diagnosed with hpv+ SCC in my right tonsil, with a suspected lymph node that was next to the tumour and slightly enlarged. I opted for surgery first to see if the node was involved, so 2 weeks ago I had the tumour (26mm) removed with 3mm clean margins and a selective neck dissection (3 levels). The histology came back showing the neck as completely clear of cancer as well as the 3mm margins clear. This makes my diagnosis T2N0M0. My consultant has said this means I have a choice - I can either 'watch and wait' and if there is any recurrence, I will have chemoradiation, OR I can have targeted radiation to my right tonsil area only, slightly lower dose, and no chemo, just to make sure all of the cancer has gone. Consultant said outcomes are good whichever option I choose, but I am finding it so difficult to choose, especially whilst in a fair bit of pain after surgery. Has anyone else had surgery only? Or surgery and radiation? Would be very interested in hearing how you chose your treatment path. Thanks.
Well done in getting this far along a very scary road.
I had RT only for T2N0 SCC as the tumour was inaccessible via surgery. 3mm is considered an adequate margin. You always have radiotherapy to fall back on if the cancer returns.
If my surgeon told me he had removed all the cancer I don’t know how I’d cope with frequent monitoring and being on tenterhooks all the time. It’s difficult isn’t it? RT is curative of HPV positive cancer and the side effects are manageable.
Peter aka PFJTHS is in a similar position if you tap his name and look at his profile
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Good evening Sarah, if the consultant is confident that it was completely clear then i would maybe think twice before having chem or radio afterwards, the only reason i had it was,A, my consultant wanted to make sure it had all been removed and B because i did not really understand about cancer and treatments as i did not belong to a forum like this back in 2008 and just wanted it gone. In my case, it returned but in a different area so i had no choice but to have further surgery, also radiotherapy can damage the skin tissues etc in that area should further surgery be needed. As Dani said you can always fall back on having radio/chemo if ever needed,i also think surgery and techniques have improved since 2008 along with the cure rate. The final choice is between you and your consultant and will always respect your decision. Wishing you all the best.
Chris x
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
Sarah. Have a look at the last two pages of this thread HERE
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Yes i had surgery only..but they didn't aks me if i wanted any other treatment. But i had adenocarcinoma cancer in the nose so it might be because of that.i was confused to as before i had the tumour re moved i had my top theeth out ready for radiotherapy so it does happen.i don't no if this will help you..but hope all be ok for you 
