Hi, I'm Jack. So sorry to hear about your diagnosis and I hope treatment goes well for you. I have stage 1-2 cancer of the cheek and part of lip. Went to oral cancer surgeon in Baltimore and was really turned off. It was like I was just a piece of meat. She hadn't read any of my reports, biopsies, scans etc. and then told me she was going to have to cut about half my right cheek away and have someone else restore it. But she was like, ho-hum, another one. And this at one of the supposedly top oral cancer hospitals. And she had no urgency about operating on it. Is this normal for you all? I want to get a second opinion and will travel anywhere in the country to get one. Does anyone have names of other oral cancer surgeons I could try to see? many thanks.

I wish I had information to give you... but, I don't. I do understand how you're feeling though, and I don't blame you for wanting a second opinion.

Sending you good vibes ...

Jack: You are so right-get a head and neck cancer specialist you trust.

Is it caused by HPV or smoke/drink? If the latter you'll need to abstain from both to avoid recurrence. Early stage detection and removal gives you good prospects for the long term.

Search for a CCC in the metro DC area.

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