My sister was just diagnosed in early October. She turned 18 in August. She's never even had a cigarette in her mouth. From what I understand, this use to be a cancer that mostly affected 50 years old and older, but there is an increase on the diagnosis of young people. The most important thing for you to do is follow the treatment plan your doctors agree upon. You have to fight fire with fire, and oral cancer is often very aggressive. Best wishes and prayers for you and your family.


Sister, 18yr old, diagnosed with oral tongue cancer 10/08/13
Total Glossectomy and neck dissection 11/18/13 (saved the back left portion of her tongue base only)
Forearm flap reconstruction
Trache and NG feeding tube after surgery (both removed now)
Tumor 6.7 cm
All lymph nodes tested came back negative for cancer
Radiation- 30 treatments (ending 2/18/14)
3/20/14 Recurrence- tumors in both lungs; likely metastasis