Dear forum,

Greetings from India.

My father who is 73 years old was being diagonised for Buccal Mucosa SCC and today the oncologist doctor had confirmed that it is a Buccal Mucosa SCC with a T4a N1 M0 rating and the biopsy report also says that it is "Moderately differentiated".

The treatment plan that the doctor had suggested was for a surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy if needed.
I'am planning to take a second opinion from another well known oncologist at my place.
I was searching on the internet when I came across this very useful forum.
Since this is the first time that someone in my family is being treated for cancer, Iam a bit nervous at this point of time and had some of the following questions:

1) Will there be any major complications or side effects after this surgery? I'am not even sure what this surgery is about and how would it impact the health of my father.
2) Is there any other options (apart from surgery) for a cancer of this type?

Please let me know your thoughts if you have such similar experiences in your life.

It will be very helpful to me in preparing my homework before I visit the next doctor. Thank you.

Thanks and Regards,
Sid.