Stage 3? Sounds like 2... Stage 2 is supposedly a tumor between 2-3 cm (not sure what size your mother's was - you said .6 cm deep... But width matters too) and 1-2 nodes involved - anything above that is a stage 3 . Well differentiated is generally less aggressive (slower moving) because the cells are still very similar to your mother's own cells. Moderate - less similar moderately aggressive - poorly differentiated - nothing like your moms own cells and very aggressive - fast moving.

Poorly differentiated is easier to kill because the cells are poorly formed therefore more susceptible to treatment (chemo and radiation) but harder to catch - moderately differentiated middle of the road - well diff is a little harder to kill (without doing more damage to your mom's own cells they do eventually recover) - but usually stays in one place longer so it's a little easier to catch.

Not sure what kind of medical system is in the phillipines, but his cancer is nothing to mess with. First line of defense is surgery by a good surgeon (someone who is top notch and very experienced with head and neck cancer.) Second line - because she has had one lymph node involved radiation and chemo should be offered and taken. If you have comprehensive cancer centers in your country get to one .

Prognosis ? you can read the stats but the truth is stage one people can eventually die and stage 4 can survive. It depends on a lot of things - a person's overall health, treatment given, age, demeanor (attitude does make a difference) activity level, nutrition (you are what you eat and healing and fighting cancer requires good nutrition) and most importantly - medical care - a good dr. or team of drs who know their stuff.

No one can tell your mother what will happen - no matter how educated they are. They can only guess.

That said - do not let them tell your mother she is cured to go home - based on what you've said they should give her chemo and rads or she could be looking at a recurrence in the future.

My dx was very similar - they removed 1/3 of my tongue - rebuilt it - took out 40 lymph nodes (30-40 is standard) and then gave me radiation and chemo - this is standard treatment.

Good luck... And take care... Others will be along with their opinions. Welcome.