Hello. I was wondering My H> was diagnosed with Metatstatic tonsil cancer that spread to his lymph nodes a year ago this month. He only did surgery.. Surgeon said extracapsular spread in lymph nodes they removed 25. He opted out of chemo and radiation.. Can he live like this? Or will it re-occur if it has not already. What will his symptoms be? He is also a heavy smoker & Drinker. WILL NOT go back to the doctor.
HelloWelcome to Chat Doctor Consular cancer that has spread to lymph nodes are not called metastatic cancer because they are regional lymph nodes. If his lymph nodes show extracapsular spread then chances of disease recurrence is very high. Ideally he should have received radiation together with chemotherapy after surgery. Most important thing to decrease chance of recurrence is smoking and Chat Doctor. Most common symptoms of relays are recurrence of lymph node swelling, ulcer in throat, pain, difficulty in taking food or breatingRegards