Hey there, my name's Fran, I'm 32 and I'm from Italy. Last July, after suffering for six months because - I thought - of some dental surgery (my dentist was shown the scar on my tongue and said "it was nothing to worry about") I have unfortunately been diagnosed a stage 1 small tongue cancer. Being a young patient, the surgery was quite aggressive, part of my tongue has been reconstructed (they wanted to leave wide margins) ad lymph nodes removed (and luckily negative). I am quickly recovering. Now, the docs sent me to some radiotherapists to evaluate the possibility of some supportive radiotherapy, considering my young age and the type of cancer. I have seen a couple of them, so far, and both said radiotherapy is not a reasonable option in my case, as there are a lot of contraindications (teeth, saliva etc...) comparing to the uncertain benefits I could gain (having had the whole cancer removed). Still, the guys who had my surgery done insist on radiotherapy. I feel very confused. When everything started the doctors said the quality of my life would not substantially change, now it seems that, if I choose radiotherapy, I will have to face a very difficult change in my life. I think I'll hear just one more doctor and then decide. All I want from the doctors is to be very honest, to tell me the pros and cons of radiation so that I can make up my mind in full cognition.
I know there are advanced techniques such as tomo therapy with less side effects, but still I ask myself: why can't doctors agree on the type of therapy?

Hello Fran

The purpose of treatment is to remove/kill cancer cells. If your cancer has been removed and lymph nodes are negative, there is no indication for radiotherapy. It should be held in reserve. Two radiologists are not in favour, and that makes sense to me. I cannot understand the thinking of your surgeons.

Hope that helps.

Best wishes
Vinod

Thanks, Dr Joshi. I just saw another radiologist yesterday and he confirmed that radiation is not a standard option in my specific case. The option, he says, is a very close follow-up.