BOT Biopsy

Joel4
Joel4 Member Posts: 263 Member
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hi all. My recent PET showed that my BOT has an SUV rating, that is a little higher than they like to see, on both sides. My Doc assures me that he does not think it is anything to worry about BUT since they are taking such a conservative approach with me ( surgery only no rads or chemo ) they would rather be safe than sorry and they are scheduling me for a BOT biopsy.
My question is what should I expect recovery wise from a base of tongue biopsy? Is it painful, will I not be able to eat for a period of time? Any help here from someone who has had this done would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

  • RushFan
    RushFan Member Posts: 224 Member
    #2
    I had BOT biopsies
    I was diagnosed after a lymphnode was removed and the cancer identified. This is a bit backward from MD Anderson protocols, but my regular ENT perfomed the initial surgery.

    Anyway, my lead doctor at MDA performed several biopsies under general anesthesia. Both tonsils, bilateral BOT and also looked around by scopes further down my throat etc. I think the tonsils were most painfull, then BOT. Could not swallow well, like bad strep throat. lasted about a week. Painkillers helped, but eating was a chore.

    Hoping all goes well,
    Chuck.
  • RushFan
    RushFan Member Posts: 224 Member
    #3
    RushFan said:

    I had BOT biopsies
    I was diagnosed after a lymphnode was removed and the cancer identified. This is a bit backward from MD Anderson protocols, but my regular ENT perfomed the initial surgery.

    Anyway, my lead doctor at MDA performed several biopsies under general anesthesia. Both tonsils, bilateral BOT and also looked around by scopes further down my throat etc. I think the tonsils were most painfull, then BOT. Could not swallow well, like bad strep throat. lasted about a week. Painkillers helped, but eating was a chore.

    Hoping all goes well,
    Chuck.

    One more thing...
    BTW, the biopsies did not find any C. I still have an unknown primary.
    Chuck.
  • Landranger25
    Landranger25 Member Posts: 210 Member
    #4
    RushFan said:

    I had BOT biopsies
    I was diagnosed after a lymphnode was removed and the cancer identified. This is a bit backward from MD Anderson protocols, but my regular ENT perfomed the initial surgery.

    Anyway, my lead doctor at MDA performed several biopsies under general anesthesia. Both tonsils, bilateral BOT and also looked around by scopes further down my throat etc. I think the tonsils were most painfull, then BOT. Could not swallow well, like bad strep throat. lasted about a week. Painkillers helped, but eating was a chore.

    Hoping all goes well,
    Chuck.

    Not bad at all
    My ENT was able to see my BOT cancer in his office. One swollen lymph node and from there he scoped me and could visualize a 3 cm tumor on the BOT. Scheduled surgery right away to remove tonsils and biopsy tongue. During surgery went all the way down to top of stomach, upper lungs and into sinuses. Took over 20 biopsies in all these areas. Woke up in recovery not feeling any pain. Was fine the next day eating and drinking with no problem. (Was expecting 10 day hell of adult tonsil removal. Heard that is not much fun.)He left my tonsils as there was no evidence of any cancer there. Only BOT and in lymph node. He said that whether I had radical neck disection with chemo/rad or just the chemo/rad the outcome would be the same. Chose to forgo the surgery. 33 rads and 3 rounds of chemo now almost 10 months post and no evidence of disease. Good luck.

    Mike
  • miccmill
    miccmill Member Posts: 248
    #5
    Landranger25 said:

    Not bad at all
    My ENT was able to see my BOT cancer in his office. One swollen lymph node and from there he scoped me and could visualize a 3 cm tumor on the BOT. Scheduled surgery right away to remove tonsils and biopsy tongue. During surgery went all the way down to top of stomach, upper lungs and into sinuses. Took over 20 biopsies in all these areas. Woke up in recovery not feeling any pain. Was fine the next day eating and drinking with no problem. (Was expecting 10 day hell of adult tonsil removal. Heard that is not much fun.)He left my tonsils as there was no evidence of any cancer there. Only BOT and in lymph node. He said that whether I had radical neck disection with chemo/rad or just the chemo/rad the outcome would be the same. Chose to forgo the surgery. 33 rads and 3 rounds of chemo now almost 10 months post and no evidence of disease. Good luck.

    Mike

    Panendoscopy
    Glenn had his BOT biopsy as part of a Panendoscopy. They went around taking multiple biopsies from every area that could be a suspect. Never did find the primary.

    He had some pain but they sent him home with liquid Vicodin and he ate dinner that evening.

    Best of luck. Everything is kind of up in the air for you but you have a really good attitude. I hope everthing continues as it has.

    Lisa
  • Joel4
    Joel4 Member Posts: 263 Member
    #6
    miccmill said:

    Panendoscopy
    Glenn had his BOT biopsy as part of a Panendoscopy. They went around taking multiple biopsies from every area that could be a suspect. Never did find the primary.

    He had some pain but they sent him home with liquid Vicodin and he ate dinner that evening.

    Best of luck. Everything is kind of up in the air for you but you have a really good attitude. I hope everthing continues as it has.

    Lisa

    Actually
    Actually now that I think of it I had a BOT biopsy also BUT that was at the same time as my left neck dissection and tonsillectomy.
    With all of that pain going on the BOT biopsy was the last thing on my radar but as a stand alone procedure I figure it will be a little more noticeable.
    As far as everything being up in the air for me goes, the way I see it is the same goes for everybody.
    Everyone contends with uncertainty, we are just a little more aware if it than are most people.
    Joanne told me not to waste any time "waiting for the other shoe to drop" after the decision was made to forego radiation and treatment in light of the positive post surgery pathology despite having an unknown primary. Those words are easily said but I decided to take them to heart and with the encouragement of my wife and the faithfulness of the Lord I have been able to cope pretty well.
  • lady4darknight
    lady4darknight Member Posts: 90 Member
    #7
    Biopsy
    Joel, My BOT biopsy was a lot like having a really bad sore throat. A little difficult to swallow so I ate lots of smoothies and ice cream. I came home from the hospital on vicodine and had a scratchy voice for a while but other than that it was probably the easiest part of my treatment.
    Debbie
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    #8
    BOT
    Hi Joel, as you had, I just finished a left neck dissection, including a laryngoscopy, and a biopsy of BOT. The only pain I've had 8/9 days later has been from the node removal areas. My throat is a bit sore when I swallow, but not bad, and I've felt no pain from the base of my tongue from the biopsy. I spent one night in the hospital and was able to eat the next day. Hope it goes easy for you.
    Hal
  • Joel4
    Joel4 Member Posts: 263 Member
    #9
    Hal61 said:

    BOT
    Hi Joel, as you had, I just finished a left neck dissection, including a laryngoscopy, and a biopsy of BOT. The only pain I've had 8/9 days later has been from the node removal areas. My throat is a bit sore when I swallow, but not bad, and I've felt no pain from the base of my tongue from the biopsy. I spent one night in the hospital and was able to eat the next day. Hope it goes easy for you.
    Hal

    Thanks
    Thanks for the information everyone!

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