Squamous Cell Cancer - Inoperable squamous cell cancer and prognosis

	Asked by helen maffescioni (Male ) on Fri 04, Apr 2008 08:33pm :
	My husband has been diagnosed with Squamous Cell Cancer. He has 3 tumors in his lymph gland of his neck, 2 in his shoulder blade 1 on the base of his toungue, one on his tonsil and 1 close to his voice box. We aretold it is inoperable. We have been advised to try chemo and radium treatment. He is starting to get headaches, a gurgly sound in his throat and coughs bad when talking. He is also getting a shooting pain from hisneck to his head. These symptoms have started in the last 4 days. They say all these tumors are secondry, but a PET scan failed to find theprimary. Can the recomended treatmentcure Carl's cancer if not what do you feel the prognosis is as to how long he has left. PLEASE help us. Yours faithfully Helen & Carl Maffescioni
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	Answer by Dr Bobby V, MD (oncologist) on Sun 06, Apr 2008 03:33am: Dear Mrs Helen, Your husband has advanced cancer, involving several organs of the head and neck, as well as the scapula. In advanced squamous cell cancers of the head and neck region (SCCHN), the approach is palliative (symptom relief). Radiation therapy, either alone, or along with chemotherapy (chemo-radiation) may help Carl. It may not really alter the treatment plan even if a primary is located. One variant subtypes of SCCHN is called nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and it has a good response to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Please consult your doctors and other family members to arrive at a treatment plan. I wish you good luck and strength. Thank you for using our service.  If you are satisfied with the answer or if you want a detailed answer for your question, please make a donation and request for further clarifications.  Our oncologists will provide an elaborate answer for your clarification.   Please make a donation by clicking the button below. You may donate using funds from your PayPal account or Credit Card. Please rate my answer (select the stars below, no need to log in.)
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	Follow up: Clarification / Comment by helen maffescioni on Tue 08, Apr 2008 02:55am: Thank you Doctor, You have given us an excellent reply to our letter. Unfortunately my husband has a big hill to climb and will not reach the top. FRom Helen andcarl Clarification / Comment by Dr Bobby V, MD on Wed 09, Apr 2008 08:37pm: Dear Mrs Helen, Even at this late stage, Carl can derive benefit from the therapy options that are available. Radiation and opioid drugs can help in pain relief. Chemotherapy may reduce the tumor burden. Supportive care in cancer medicine has evolved greatly over the past decade, and can greatly improve the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer. Please take advantage of these palliative and supportive options that are available. And above all, trust in God and keep your hope alive. All the best.
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