John,

Be grateful you found the OCF forum now and are able to ask questions of people who have already been there, done that. I was diagnosed in 2005 and learned a lot of things the hard way after the fact.

Getting a 2nd opinion is a great idea if possible from a major cancer center. I was initially treated locally at a small hospital. They did not do "frozen sections" during surgery (a biopsy done during the surgery). Later found out the local pathologist botched the biopsy - gave me the all clear when in fact there was cancer at the margins. Had radiation, a recurrence, 4 surgeries, and a host of problems because of the radiation, but I'm still here 11 years later.

I'm tried to read your other posts to get a better picture of where your father is regarding treatment and what was recommended. Perhaps add some more info to your signature line and keep it updated - it would help us help you.

From my understanding the scans may not detect cancer if it is small or microscopic so it could have spread to the lymph nodes. Are they planning on doing a neck dissection? Make sure they do frozen sections during the surgery on the tongue which helps insure they "get it all". Depending on the size and location of the initial tumor, the doctors may recommend radiation and chemo as a precaution. There are certain guidelines that have been developed that gives recommended treatment protocol.

Over the years I have met many oral cancer survivors. I know a few that were stage 1 and were treated successfully with surgery only. Another friend, who I believe was a stage 3 or 4, opted not to have the recommended radiation. That was 6 years ago and he is doing fine. Then I have a number of OC friends who lost the battle. Every body is different, and what works for one may not work for another. If I had a do-over button, I would have sought treatment at a major cancer center from the beginning. I ended up at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD only after I had a recurrence. Before that, I did go for 2nd and 3rd opinions at two different larger hospitals.

Wishing your father the best!