Welcome to OCF, Magen. Sorry to hear your father has been diagnosed with oral cancer. There are many members who have no known cause yet have developed oral cancer. I dont know statistics about the odds of recurrence with those patients who have been told it was caused by some type of mouth trauma. The cause really does not change how its treated so I would think it doesnt eliminate the chance of recurrence. Im not one who is hung up on statistics as it can happen to anyone and unfortunately it can return if just one teeny tiny cell gets missed.

Depending upon how invasive the surgery is will determine how your father fares with the side effects. He may have a trach and speaking could be compromised. He may need a feeding tube and have to relearn to eat again. Right now I would suggest he focuses on eating all his favorite foods and then having seconds as eating may be difficult for a while. Especially with spicy food and things that need to be chewed alot.

Even if your fathers eating and speaking arent the same as before the cancer diagnosis he can still live a good life. Many of us have life long after effects and different handicaps due to our treatments but we still make the most of our lives. I have become disfigured but I have turned this into a positive by helping others and promoting early detection. Its all boils down to how you look at things. Some people may look at me and feel sorry for me while others can see that I have a meaningful life, I see myself as very lucky to be alive. Your dad should join OCF and educate himself to better understand whats coming up and how he can get thru this easier.