Dear All,

My father's is 66years and has been a long time user of tobacco(Smoking and then Chewing). He had a small lesion on right Buccal Mucosa about 4-6 weeks back, measuring 0.8cm by 0.75cm.

We got a CT Scan and CBP done yesterday. While the CBP was all normal, initial CT Scan impression was "Ploynoidal lesion on Buccal Mucosa with no signs of cervical lymphadenopathy". However, our doctor recommended an immediate biopsy of the lesion and we got that done today.

Based on doctor's visual impression during biopsy, he is about 99% sure that this is cancerous. He has completely removed the lesion as a part of biopsy. However, he has asked us to be prepared for a major surgery, involving complete removal of right jaw portion and a reconstructive/plastic surgery procedure there after, followed by radiation therapy.

I love my father and wish to hear from others who have fought cancer on the following:

i) The staging for now seems T1M0N0, but, will this be clearly determined after the biopsy?
ii) I have read in the forum that radiation is done only once to neck and head region. Please provide your views on whether we should opt for it at this stage.
iii) How soon does cancer progress? How much time do we have for deciding upon the right course of action?
iv) How can we determine if other surrounding areas of buccal mucosa or other regions in the oral cavity have cancerous cells?
v) Have anyone in the forum tried alternate medicine and if yes, is it a risk worth taking?

Appreciate your help and guidance. Look forward to your responses.

Regards
Vithal