Tonsil Cancer (MD Anderson)

MD Anderson

"At first I felt, I had a lump up here on my neck and continued to get larger.

I was recommended to get a needle biopsy and the test result came that I had Tonsil Cancer. That was 14 months ago. I was referred to the University of Kansas Medical Center, where they wanted to do and I was schedule for a radical neck surgery, where they were going to open my up from ear to ear, and take out ALL the lymph nods, and salivary glands, and necrotic glands. Take out every thing off my neck. I was not  very exited about THAT TYPE OF DISFIGURING\, surgical solutions. That was the only option at the University of Kansas Medical Center.''

I decided to get a second opinion at MD Anderson Cancer Institute; in Houston, Texas. The second opinion was that surgery was not the appropriate option, They said they don't treat this type of tumors with surgery; they treat it with what they call induction chemotherapy for a couple of weeks, and then they use high dose radiation, about 30 rounds of high dose radiation.''



The option from MD Anderson was not all that palpable to me either; and the reason for that is they said I had 30% chances of loosing my mandible..."


Tonsil cancer is cancer that occurs in one of the three types of tonsils of the throat. It most commonly occurs in the palatine tonsils, which are located on either side of the throat, although it can also occur in the pharyngeal tonsils (also called adenoids), which are behind the nasal cavity, or in the lingual tonsils, which are at the back of the tongue. ''

Most tonsil cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which arise in the lining tissues of the mouth, although it is possible for lymphoma (a type of immune system cancer) to develop in the tonsils. Smoking is the most common risk factor for squamous cell carcinomas of the tonsils. Alcohol is also a risk factor; the combination of smoking and alcohol use yields an even greater risk than using either substance alone.''

Symptoms of tonsil cancer include a sore at the back of the throat that does not heal, or one tonsil that is bigger than the other. It may or may not be painful. Tonsil cancer is known to cause bleeding, bad breath, or altered taste. Larger cancers can interfere with eating, talking or breathing, and may make it difficult to open the mouth.

Radiation therapy or surgery can be effective in treating early tonsil cancer, and chemotherapy can be effective in treating more advanced tonsil cancer. Following surgery to remove cancerous tissue, reconstructive surgery can help restore structures that have been removed and rehabilitation can help you relearn how to eat, swallow or talk, if needed.''

Some complications of tonsil cancer can be serious. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as uncontrolled or heavy bleeding or respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking. You have the best chance of curing tonsil cancer if you catch it early. Seek prompt medical care if you have bleeding in the throat, notice sores or lumps in the back of the throat, have difficulty eating, swallowing or speaking, or have any other symptoms that concern you.''