HI - okay... I just read your other post so I am going to try and answer both here.

It is very possible since you said reconstruction from SCC of his lip, I'm assuming the tumor was quite large. Otherwise they remove the area and depending on location and size that's often it. (external SCC of the lip is often very treatable from what I've read - SCC inside on the oral mucosa can be a different story as it sometimes moves quickly). I believe Christine here has experience with this as it moved from her cheek or gum to her jaw etc... She is a three time cancer survivor, and I think Eric's cancer started in a similar location...

It sounds based on the involvement of that maybe what they found on his lip, may have been an extension of the other mass.

I know what the drs are saying and it sounds grim but I echo what other's have said. Have him go to the top hospital for cancer in his area. Radiation and chemo should work to debulk it or possibly kill it, and then maybe if there is residual cancer there then it will have less impact if it has to be removed. Mind you this is up to him, but I would push for another opinion.

We have social medicine here in toronto. I think our systems are similar. He should be able to ask for a referral from his family dr. Research for him who the top guy is for his type of cancer in his area.

He definitely needs more info though. On the lip did they get clear margins?

They must have scanned him, did they? What did it show?

Did they test the tumor to determine if it was HPV positive?

best of luck. and hugs.