HPV P16 positive cancer

They took 39 nodes from one side or both sides. Seems like a lot hoe did they decide that ? Is that considered a radical node dissection? How was the pain and recovery after the surgery ? Any lingering effects ?

Hi right now I am waiting for them to decide to remove the nodes that are swollen and they don’t appear to be in any rush. How long before you had a problem before they removed the nodes ? Where were the positive nodes located were they in the sumandibular region ? Thanks

Hi Frank, I was diagnosised with HPVp16 cancer in an unknown site on 5 Jan 2017. They BELIEVED it was the soft
tissue under the back of the tongue but not sure. Nonetheless, the treatment plan was agreed upon by both my
UW-Madison,WI medical team and me. I consisted of: fine needle biopsy of 2 lymph nodes in neck, removed of
those 2 nodes as well 39 more that were in that path and 7 weeks/5 days a week of radiation. Found cells in 2 nodes but not the other 39. PLUS, the cancer cells remained in those 2 nodes and had not spread. 5 plus years of exams every 6 months by both oncologist and ENT and all clear as of today. another exam in 2 weeks and hoping I get the all clear response.

I firmly believe that if I hadn't had the nodes removed and tested, I would have tested positive by now because
the radiation focused to an unknown site under my tongue and not the 2 nodes in my lower neck/clavicle area where the nodes were located. Not sure if this helps but hang in there. Journey may be tough but you can do it.
God Bless You & I pray that your 2023 is filled with happiness and a positive recovery!

Hello,
I had HPV SCC in my tongue and one lymph node. I’m in remission now since my treatment ended in September, 2022. To answer your question, to my knowledge, a biopsy is the only sure way to determine if the lymph node is cancerous. My biopsy showed it was positive for cancer. The treatment for my cancer was radiation, both the tongue and the lymph node, not removal by surgery. I hope this helps. I pray you have complete recovery at the end of your treatment journey. God bless.

How do I know if the lymph nodes are cancerous ? Should they always be taken out after tongue surgery?

Yes I was 10 years cancer free went to cancer treatment center of America. Difficult in swallowing and valve issues in heart that had to be replaced ...

I was stage 4 head and neck.. I went to cancer treatment center of America... I had harsh chemo and radiation .. with some damage hard to swallow ruined valves in my heart had to have replaced.. but I have been cancer free for 10 years... also was hpv

Do you think they should always take the lymph nodes out for tongue cancer ? That’s what I am thinking.

You will have to reflect inward, and have solace that you can move forward with and still make peace with yourself. For myself, HNSC base of tongue (PCR16 positive) 8.5 weeks of chemo and radiation. Mine was inoperable, but they left me with a lot of collateral damage. After all the treatments, they told me when/if it came back, I would be facing complete removal of my jaw and a portion of my throat. I have prayed long and hard and made peace with myself and my maker. I did the chemo and radiation for my wife of 36 years. This time I will leave it in God's hands, as he will never give us more than we can handle. God is always with us.

Hi I was positive for HPV 16 cancer that was in my tongue it was considered stage 1. They removed the primary tumor and then additional area on side of tongue that had moderate to severe dysplasia. The biopsy report from the initial cancer sugery revealed positive for hpv 16 and no spread to blood or lymph but some perineural involvement. I saw drs at Sloan Kettering, John’s Hopkins, and the University of Rochester. Of all of them only the one at Sloan Kettering recommended to take the lymph nodes out right at the same time of tongue surgery. Now today I went in for an appointment and he determined that I had a swollen lymph node that was concerning. Now I don’t know what to do next? Should I go to Sloan Kettering for neck dissection since it appears his idea was right and he does a lot of neck dissections ? I called today and they could get me in next Friday and ideas would be appreciated, it’s just crazy how it was undetectable in pet scan and even from the biopsy but there is a chance it could have still spread to my lymph nodes. Should neck dissection be automatic for people with oral cancer ? What should I do next ?