Hello Heidi, I am sorry to hear of her troubles with cancer. If it is caught early, she may only need a minor surgery to remove enough of the lesion and a safe margin. Left untreated, the long term progression of Oral SCC is not something I'd consider as an option. She may also be able to have radiation to the new area. Radiation to a smaller area may be well tolerated by her.

Hopefully she is being seen at a cancer center and is getting top notch advice. If in doubt, get another opinion.

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.