Squamous Neck Cancer

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Question:

I’m not sure if this will help – it is just based on my own personal experience with a similar problem (SCC on tongue + spread to neck lymph node). The primary was a very small patch of leukoplakia on the underside of my tongue. A number of ENT specialists had seen the patch – but did not "think" it was the primary. (And so were hurrying to treat the occult primary in a similar way that they are recommending to you). I insisted that the leukoplakia be biopsied – and so it was in fact the primary. About a year later I had a recurring primary removed that was a similar dimension to a pinhead. So – my suggestion to you is that YOU have a good look in your mouth (tongue, floor of mouth, everywhere you can see) with a flashlight. Regard every discoloration (white or a different shade of red)as suspicious and demand to have it biopsied. (Perhaps there is a patch in your mouth that is a bit painful – this might be it). I hope you find something – if not good luck with the treatment. Regards Michael – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -About a month ago I was diagnosed with Squamous Cancer of the neck. Had the operation last week; three of the 27 lymph nodes removed from just below the jaw on my right side were positive for cancer. At the same time biopsy’s were taken from the tongue, right tonsil (only small portion remains from childhood operation), nasal, and a secondary salivary gland were all clear of cancer. CAT scan prior to the operation did not high light any likely spots for the primary. Result — cancer with occult ( unseen ) primary. The doctors are proposing a full face (my term) radiation series to try and cover all bases to kill the primary. The down side of the procedure – dead salivary glands resulting in dry mouth, damage to the teeth, makes me hesitate to have the radiation. I have never smoked or been a heavy drinker. I would be prepared to have an ENT doctor do a monthly exam and then a CAT every three to six months. Does anyone in the group have any ideas to offer? or any medical center that might be specializing in this problem where I might find more info on treatment, etc. Thanks in advance for any help offered. budhop

Response:

Michael: Thanks for sharing. Since my post the Oncolgist has suggested I have a MRI to see if the test will highlight any specific area as the primary. He had a patient such as you where the primary was not visible but did turn up in the MRI. I try not to be tooooo hopeful but it would sure make the treatment decision much easier. I will take the test on Friday. budhop

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m not sure if this will help – it is just based on my own personal experience with a similar problem (SCC on tongue + spread to neck lymph node). The primary was a very small patch of leukoplakia on the underside of my tongue. A number of ENT specialists had seen the patch – but did not "think" it was the primary. snip About a month ago I was diagnosed with Squamous Cancer of the neck. Had the operation last week; three of the 27 lymph nodes removed from just below the jaw on my right side were positive for cancer. At the same time biopsy’s were taken from the tongue, right tonsil (only small portion remains from childhood operation), nasal, and a secondary salivary gland were all clear of cancer. CAT scan prior to the operation did not high light any likely spots for the primary. Result — cancer with occult ( unseen ) primary.

Response:

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About a month ago I was diagnosed with Squamous Cancer of the neck. Had the operation last week; three of the 27 lymph nodes removed from just below the jaw on my right side were positive for cancer. At the same time biopsy’s were taken from the tongue, right tonsil (only small portion remains from childhood operation), nasal, and a secondary salivary gland were all clear of cancer. CAT scan prior to the operation did not high light any likely spots for the primary. Result — cancer with occult ( unseen ) primary. The doctors are proposing a full face (my term) radiation series to try and cover all bases to kill the primary. The down side of the procedure – dead salivary glands resulting in dry mouth, damage to the teeth, makes me hesitate to have the radiation. I have never smoked or been a heavy drinker. I would be prepared to have an ENT doctor do a monthly exam and then a CAT every three to six months. Does anyone in the group have any ideas to offer? or any medical center that might be specializing in this problem where I might find more info on treatment, etc. Thanks in advance for any help offered. budhop

Response:

What has your SPAM got to do with this man’s question?

Response:

Dear Mrs Negri Do you feel good about trying to sell stuff to people who come here for help, information and sometimes comfort? Just thought I’d ask. Bolly Olly

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you need help finding a medical center or surgeon, there is a company that enables people needing serious yet schedulable surgery or other medical procedures to select health care providers based on quality, services and price. It is found at www.patientwise.net. About a month ago I was diagnosed with Squamous Cancer of the neck. Had the operation last week; three of the 27 lymph nodes removed from just below the jaw on my right side were positive for cancer. At the same time biopsy’s were taken from the tongue, right tonsil (only small portion remains from childhood operation), nasal, and a secondary salivary gland were all clear of cancer. CAT scan prior to the operation did not high light any likely spots for the primary. Result — cancer with occult ( unseen ) primary. The doctors are proposing a full face (my term) radiation series to try and cover all bases to kill the primary. The down side of the procedure – dead salivary glands resulting in dry mouth, damage to the teeth, makes me hesitate to have the radiation. I have never smoked or been a heavy drinker. I would be prepared to have an ENT doctor do a monthly exam and then a CAT every three to six months. Does anyone in the group have any ideas to offer? or any medical center that might be specializing in this problem where I might find more info on treatment, etc. Thanks in advance for any help offered. budhop

— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Result — cancer with occult ( unseen ) primary. The doctors are proposing a full face (my term) radiation series to try and cover all bases to kill the primary. The down side of the procedure – dead salivary glands resulting in dry mouth, damage to the teeth, makes me hesitate to have the radiation. I have never smoked or been a heavy drinker. I would be prepared to have an ENT doctor do a monthly exam and then a CAT every three to six months. Does anyone in the group have any ideas to offer? or any medical center that might be specializing in this problem where I might find more info on treatment, etc. Thanks in advance for any help offered. budhop

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Response:

This kind of presentation isn’t all that rare. It is presumed that must be a small primary cancer somewhere in the oral cavity or pharynx, but often the primary can’t be identified.

Steph, would a PET scan find the primary? — Oisin "Curly++" Curtin http://pages.infinit.net/curlypp/ oligo 3, szr 6/1/2k, biopsy 6/19/2k, rad 30 8/24/2k-10/11/2k, stable!

Response:

Tom: No I am not a Vet. On medicare. thanks to all that have offered suggestions. budhop

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Result — cancer with occult ( unseen ) primary. The doctors are proposing a full face (my term) radiation series to try and Are you a Vet?

Response:

This kind of presentation isn’t all that rare. It is presumed that must be a small primary cancer somewhere in the oral cavity or pharynx, but often the primary can’t be identified. Steph, would a PET scan find the primary?

It might, but finding the primary doesn’t seem to influence prognosis. Most of these patients end up cured anyway

Response:

cavity or pharynx, but often the primary can’t be identified. Steph, would a PET scan find the primary? It might, but finding the primary doesn’t seem to influence prognosis. Most of these patients end up cured anyway

What I was thinking wasn’t about prognosis. I was wondering if the treatment might then be more focused, thus reducing side effects. — Oisin "Curly++" Curtin http://pages.infinit.net/curlypp/ oligo 3, szr 6/1/2k, biopsy 6/19/2k, rad 30 8/24/2k-10/11/2k, stable!

Response:

Very occasionally, it might, but most often not

Response:

About a month ago I was diagnosed with Squamous Cancer of the neck. Had the operation last week; three of the 27 lymph nodes removed from just below the jaw on my right side were positive for cancer. At the same time biopsy’s were taken from the tongue, right tonsil (only small portion remains from childhood operation), nasal, and a secondary salivary gland were all clear of cancer. CAT scan prior to the operation did not high light any likely spots for the primary. Result — cancer with occult ( unseen ) primary. The doctors are proposing a full face (my term) radiation series to try and cover all bases to kill the primary. The down side of the procedure – dead salivary glands resulting in dry mouth, damage to the teeth, makes me hesitate to have the radiation. I have never smoked or been a heavy drinker. I would be prepared to have an ENT doctor do a monthly exam and then a CAT every three to six months. Does anyone in the group have any ideas to offer? or any medical center that might be specializing in this problem where I might find more info on treatment, etc. Thanks in advance for any help offered. budhop

Response:

Are you a Vet?

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