Hi, I am really confused on this stage business.I have read all of the paperwork they give you from the hospital etc., but since I've found this forum and have been reading the reply's I am CONFUSED! I had tissue from the floor of my mouth and my jaw bone(about an inch or more) removed plus lymp node taken from neck. Stage 4, I was told because it had gotten into bone,it also grew large after it was exposed. I have been reading about stages here of people who have had more removed and are stage 2and 3,people with stage 4 who have multiple sites.Stage 3 and 4 people who are doing well and cancer free and people with 1&2 who have repeat cancers? Is it where it is. how big ,or how it has spread?Maybe no one can answer this but if you can please try. gnelson