Hi, I'm new here. I was diagnosed with Cancer in situ in late 2023 after months of hoarse voice. MRI did the Camera down thingy and I underwent Laser dissection. At a 'check up' appointment in November 24 the Camera discovered another area of concern and I underwent Surgical biopsy on January 2nd. Then.....Nothing. I left messages all over the place but sadly no response. The biopsy result 'appeared' on my MyChart in February which stated worryingly 'at least squamous cell Carcinona in situ'.. After lots of leaving messages etc my husband eventuaally contacted PALS and they got me an appointment 2 weeks ago - which turned out to be with the wrong department! However, this Consultant sorted an appointment with the 'correct' team a few days later (Last Thursday to be exact) He did the 'Camera thingy' and discovered that since by biopsy in January the lesions had spread from a single small spot to a line right along my vocal chord (He showed us the photo/video). I think he was surprised himself at the speed of the spread and is sending me for scans this week. He suggested probably radiation treatment which I'm loath to undergo after reading here and on other forums and also my own experience of caring for relatives with Cancer. Has anyone tried immunotherapy in stead? Or photodynamic therapy? Or Robot assisted Radiotherapy or Surgery? Love and hugs xx
Hi TheonlyChris
My cancer was at the base of my tongue and I had six weeks radiotherapy. It is a real challenge but doable and life saving.
Six years later I am fit and well with only a slight dryness in my mouth at night to remind me.
Have a word with your consultant. Immunotherapy is unlikely to be offered to you without further tests to see if the cancer might respond. Even then the response rate is only around 15%
I can't help with photodynamic therapy I'm afraid
If you want to consider less invasive surgery than a total laryngectomy maybe seek a second opinion? The surgeons at the Royal Marsden are pioneers in fancy laryngeal surgery. That might be your first port of call
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
