Hello everybody and Julia,

Since I last posted, I underwent a partial glossectomy. It was not a very pleasant experience by any means but my oncologist is pleased with the pathology report. The surgery was for the right lateral side of my tongue where I was diagnosed with carcinom in situ at the end of August. The worst part of the path report shows a rare foci of very mild squamous dysplasia along two of the margins. I know this is good considering, but I still worry about it coming back again. How much of the tongue can you actually cut away? I am only 37 with two little kids. I do not smoke or drink, and I tested negative for HPV. So, we do not know why I developed it. I am just thankful that it was caught early. Thanks for everyone's support on this forum.
Best wishes to all of you!

scooby (Misty)

Hi Misty

Did the path report say whether you'll need either rt or chemo? We all worry about recurrence, but that's what follow up appointments are for. Did you get a rebuild?

How much of the tongue can you actually cut away? At the risk of sounding like a smart***, I'd say "as much as you need to." In my case, it's roughly half (left side to midpoint, tip to first molar). Dr Joshi would be best able to answer this from a technical standpoint.

I was 40, non-smoker, borderline teetotaler. According to my doctor, I "shouldn't have" developed tongue cancer. Unfortunately, I have a track record of doing what I shouldn't.

Julia

Hi Julia...ha ha ha..I too, laugh at my ability to develop conditions I should not have. Fortunately, the amount of tongue cut away will not leave me impaired in any way once it heals. He cut away two inches by one inch along the side and one inch deep. I do not need any further treatment. I will just visit the oncologist every three months for follow-up. So, I guess I am very fortunate but I definately do not want to do this again! Thanks for your help!!! Do you still worry about your condition returning?

Misty

Hi Misty

I don't worry as much now as I used to, but whenever there's pain on either side, I do get a bit nervous if it doesn't clear up in a day or so.