Tongue Cancer: What are my treatment options?

What Dr do people recommend dealing with squamous tongue cancer ? Thanks

Hi @newtonguecancer, Welcome to Mayo Connect.
With the potential for oral cancer, the first contacts would be an Oral Surgeon or an ENT specialist (ear, nose and throat) to examine the area and possibly do a biopsy. With a firm diagnosis and depending on the treatment, the team might also consist of an oncologist, a radiation oncologist and other members as needed.

Have you been diagnosed with squamous cell tongue cancer?

Hi yes I was recently diagnosed with squamous cell tongue cancer on Friday. It showed up as a lesion on the back of my tongue. No palpable tumor or swollen lymph nodes was seen by the doctor. A 4 mm biopsy was done so it is deeper than that. Lesion is around 1/2 inch.

This must have come as quite a shock for you. I know from experience receiving a diagnosis of cancer is quite frightening.

Who did the biopsy and diagnosis for you? They would be the person referring you to a specialist for the next step. Were you given any guidance?

If you’re interested in getting a second opinion, here is a link to the Mayo Clinic website to get you started. Select the campus that would be the most convenient for you and give the number a call. The coordinator on the phone will take your information and you should hear back from them within 3 business days. http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

Did you have a consultation with the diagnosis physician?

Welcome, @newtonguecancer. I see that you were diagnosed with squamous cell tongue cancer very recently. This must come as a shock. You are not alone. I moved your messages to this existing discussion:
- Tongue Cancer: What are my treatment options? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cancer-under-my-tongue-and-raised-lymph-nodes/

I did this so that you can easily connect with other members, like @rkaspet @loli @alpaca @sharique some who are newly diagnosed like you and others who walked this path years ago.

You asked about what doctor does one deal with squamous tongue cancer and @loribmt responded. @loli and @alpaca can also share how their journies began and to which specialists they were first referred.

NewTongueCancer, may I ask how and which specialist diagnosed you with tongue cancer?

Hi @newtonguecancer Surgery is usually the option for cancer on the front of the tongue. This can have a very good outcome. If it is the base of the tongue, the bit you can't see, the treatment is chemo-radiation - a hard but effective treatment. In the US there might be some newer options like immunotherapy but where I am in New Zealand the above are the only options and both can bring about a cure. I've been through this myself and have lots of tongue cancer friends. Wishing you all the very best.

Thanks it’s the side of the tongue in the back. They are talking about doing laser surgery and then radiation haven’t heard much about immunotherapy for squamous cell cancer is this a readily available option in the US ? Thanks

I don't think immunotherapy is used for that sort of tongue cancer. Laser surgery and radiotherapy sounds like a good option to me. Better than flap surgery!

I am hoping to schedule an appointment with Roswell park. Is it a good sign they caught it early if the dr can’t feel any lumps or masses and no swollen lymph nodes ? Are there any techniques available to help identify when the cancer comes back ?

It sounds like an early cancer, doesn't it so it will be much easier to treat. Signs of recurrence - I think you need to ask the surgeon that. I've had a couple of recurrences (I'm still alive and kicking) and they were picked up in routine follow ups. Of all my friends in the head and neck cancer world I am one of the very few to have recurrences from tongue cancer. My original cancer was brewing for years before it was diagnosed and I often wonder if that is why it has come back a couple of times.
After your treatment you will be followed up closely and can discuss signs to look out for. Yes, it's a really good sign there is no cancer in the nodes. You will feel much better once you've had an appointment and have a treatment plan. Then you can get to work eliminating the cancer.