Newly diagnosed with head & neck cancer - Tongue

Looking to find support and advice from other patients. Recently diagnosed with stage 1 cancer of the tongue. Optiojn to have surgery/radiotherapy or chemo/radiotherapy. Unsure about best long term outcome. Looking to discuss with others that had either treatment.

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat, DomJ,
    I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis, this must be a difficult and uncertain time for you.
    We have some helpful information on our website about tongue cancer, which might provide further insight into the stages, types, and treatment options available for this type of cancer. You can find it here: Tongue Cancer Information. This page may help give you a clearer understanding of the condition and the treatment paths you’re considering, such as surgery and radiotherapy, or chemo and radiotherapy together.
    Many members have gone through various treatment options for head and neck cancers, and I’m sure they will offer helpful insights based on their own stories.
    If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone directly, our team of nurses are available to offer guidance and support. You can reach them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Wishing you strength as you consider your treatment options.
    Take care,
    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator
    1. Hi, I had tongue cancer 11yrs ago, and I had surgery and radiotherapy for 6wks. That was what they thought best and I went along with it. I had a choice of an operation to take the rest of my lymph nodes away or radiotherapy, and at that time survival rates were the same, so I chose radiotherapy. 
  • My dad has just been diagnosed with tongue cancer, I’m assuming T2 as it’s 2cm but 7mm deep and he’s meeting his surgeon Tuesday. We just feel physically sick and terrified by what’s to come but I’m hopeful we can get through this. Have you found the last 11 years stressful or did it give a real lease of life, I just don’t know what to expect and how our lives will differ from now on, I just need my dad still around and the rest we can deal with. 

  • Hello. I understand your feelings. I don't  know his details, but they replaced half of my tongue, and I recovered to almost who I had been before. I had a slight difficulty talking initially but I ept going and it got better. Yes, I am grateful they saved my life and gave me more time with my family. I pray it's all doable for him and yourself ️

  • Oh thank you so much for your reply and I’m so happy you’re doing well. I can’t wait for it all to just be done now and us to start planning fun nice things to look forward to. All we currently know is it’s 2cm and 7mm and possibly an inflamed lymph node so I’m hoping this isn’t a scary as it obviously sounds. If there’s anything else you’re happy to discuss or willing to let me know about the process and procedure I just want to be mentally prepared as I’m just feeling so sick for the oncology appointment Tuesday. But need to be positive. Thank you again.