IMRT and Primary Transoral Surgery in the Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinomas

This study is comparing radiation therapy to surgery (performed through the mouth) for early-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil area or base of the tongue (throat cancer), looking at which approach leads to better outcomes and quality of life. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 or older - You have been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil or base of the tongue (throat cancer) - Your tumor is an early stage (T1 or T2) and has not spread widely to lymph nodes (N0 or N1) - You can be treated with either surgery or radiation - Your HPV/p16 status has been assessed **You may NOT be eligible if...** - Your cancer has spread to distant organs - You have had prior radiation to your head or neck - You have had a squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in the last 5 years - Your cancer is not surgically removable - You are pregnant or breastfeeding - You are unable to complete questionnaires or follow-up visits Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.