I have seen where this cancer has been detected in people lungs yet surgeons I've talked to say this stays above the neck confused

After someone has gone thru oral cancer, it can always return. This thought is terrifying to all of us. When it returns its called a recurrence. Sometimes a recurrence is in the lungs. Everyone is different and not everyone will go thru a recurrence. Ive had 2 recurrences and both time it was near the original spots. Sometimes people have a 'spot' on their lungs which appears during the scan check ups. Ive had one 2 cm 'spot' for over 2 years and it has not changed. Hope that helps to clarify your question.





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Thanks, very new to the game and my surgeon was not very forthcoming with info, yet kept asking if we had any additional questions almost to the point of really upsetting my wife who is a paramedic. Than you get back in the car and realize we had tons of questions I think the surgeon is good based on how I feel already but gave me to many false hoods early on like this is just on your tongue he stated before surgery, I bet you 95% that this is only in the tongue, then when we came back to his office and he said it was found in a lymph node now he says I bet the oncology doctor will tell me no other treatment needed. Now since being on this sight I know that is not correct either, very scary that a doctor of his tenure speaks like that. Thanks again for your help

Its best to make a list of questions before your visit. Write them down with space left open to write the doctors answers. Glad to hear you dont go alone to your appointments. Another set of ears is always important. Next time take your list of questions and have your wife play secretary and write everything down the doctor says. This way you will get the most out of your appointment. Some people also ask if they can tape record their session so they can go back and replay what the doc says. Not all doctors like to be taped so always ask first.

You will find the more time you spend on this site, the more you will get an education about oral cancer. You will know the ins and outs of what you should expect from your doctor visits and when a doctor doesnt quite measure up to the standards. Doctors are all too human sometimes and dont always have the best people skills. When you have questions, dont be afraid to ask your doc. Remember, the doctor works for you.

Hi there! Christine is right this cancer can move - much like any cancer. Usually there is a little more involvement than just a node - but that really depends on the overall health of the person, their anatomy - and the aggressiveness of the cancer. The more aggressive- the faster it moves, the more advanced the more wide spread it can be, the lungs can be the first stop. but I've also heard of it being found in the pelvis and other locations. There are several collecting area for the lymph nodes - one is under the arm and one Is the pelvis.The lymphatic system runs through your body so basically it can end up anywhere but usually there is more lymphatic involvement first. I also depends on whether there Is perineural involvement - nerve in tongue is affected- cancer cells will travel along the path of least resistance nerves offer less resistance - so usually - which is what you're dr said - may be the norm - but not the only. (usually a lymph node involved and or peri neural involvement is cause to extend treatment to include rads and possibly chemo). Also overall health and immune system play a large role in recovery and spread - poor weakened immune system means it can't fight off the cancer as easily, plus other diseases cme into play. An oncologist I know once said - there's no such thing as a recurrence - if it comes back quickly, it was never gone in the first place - ultimately they didn't get it all the first time out. His is why an excellent dr is key. Your dr. sounds decent but if you're not being treated at a CCC, get to one, the drs there will have had the most experience with this kind of cancer - most drs don't talk in absolutes because they know cancer mets depends on many things. Confidence in your dr. is primary. Best of luck and many blessings to you!