I would encourage two things at this stage if by chance they are not already in progress: First, get a second opinion (including a review of the operative and pathology reports) by an oncologist specializing in oral cancer. The reason I recommend this is that the current doctor may or may not have specific expertise relative to his type of cancer, and if the doctor is a surgeon, a medical oncologist brings another, non-surgical perspective that can be somewhat different.

Second, be sure to have regular follow-up exams and scans, so that if by chance there is a later reoccurrence it will be caught as early as possible. The follow-up could be detailed oral exams by an ENT that involve a repeat scoping of the throat and possibly CT scans (detailed high-resolution x-rays) and/or PET scans (which highlight areas where there is more metabolic activity, as might occur from cancer or inflammation).

Think of both of the above as taking out an insurance policy to reduce risk. Good luck!