Will keep as short as poss.
Noticed a small lump on the roof of my mouth last December. Had it checked out; first biopsy came back normal; consultant wasn't happy so a second biopsy came back as 'probable benign tumour'. I had surgery to remove the tissue. Unfortunately, the results of the lab analysis showed affected tissue right to the edge of the sample (microscopic). Further, the results also now indicate low grade malignancy .
The consultant initially recommended further surgery to remove bone from my pallet. He went on to offer radiotherapy as an alternative. I was extremely reluctant to undergo further surgery but now I have read some of the radiotherapy horror stories, I am completely confused.
A third option was offered which was to do nothing. The consultant was 'uncomfortable' with this course of action.
I can't remember the name for my tumour but what I do know is:
Salivary gland tumour,
low grade malignancy
not the type that would spread to other parts of my body.
I am worried about surgery because I don't want a hole in the roof of my mouth, which would apparently require further surgery to rebuild.
I am worried about radiotherapy because of what I've read on the net (and this site).
I am loosely considering the 'do nothing' option and would like to understand what risks I would be storing up for myself.
My consultant is excellent but I also get the impression that in today's climate, he is forced to err on the side of caution.
The oncologist suggested, becuase he was looking to clear up a micorscopic residue, that the radio dosage would be lower than normal. Would this make radio therapy easier to cope with/ less risk of side effects?

I would be grateful for any advice .

Hello Steve

Bummer, but the good news appears to be low grade malignancy. Usually, surgery is the preferred option with radiotherapy held in reserve but it all depends on the morbidity (problems) caused. I suggest you get a second opinion - fortunastely you have the time to get the advice you need to make an informed decision.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee:

Steve, hello and welcome to our site. Oh Steve I wish we had the answers that you are so honestly needing, but this is a decission that you must make. It is a """BIG""" one too. I know that the stories on the site can and will scare the pants off of a person, that is truly not why they are told. We share our stories for many reasons. ONE: Just to talk about this experience.
TWO: To share our pain, fears, laughs and tears with another.
THREE: To let others know what to expect from and with ORAL CANCER.
We have some that have had no side effects to others that are barely coping with them. This is not to scare anyone, it is to educate you on what """REALLY""" takes place. The Doctor's only know from what """WE""" the patients tell them. Unless you have had this horrible disease there is no way in """HELL""" for you to know a thing about the ups and downs of it all. This is honestly a hands on disease. I wish you the best in whatever you decide. You feel free to talk to anyone of us about you concerns. I will pray as will many others on the site for you...Keep us up to date, always Vicki Lynn