Liz - I'm not sure why your dr. told you that it was not common for oral cancer to spread downward. If you read the literature, the most common site for distant metastasis is the Lungs. I haven't seen brain mentioned, but I'm sure once it's in the lungs that's possible. One of the routine follow-up tests I have is a chest x-ray...

so Donna, it does sound suspicious for your Aunt. Unfortunately, sometimes we are too scared to find out the answer.. I know I've felt like that before.. .