Hearing the word “cancer” can stop time. It is normal to feel fear, confusion, anger, or numbness. This page is designed to help you focus on your next steps.

First Priorities:

1. Understand Your Diagnosis

Ask:

• What type of oral cancer do I have?
• What stage is it?
• Has it spread to lymph nodes, bone, or surrounding tissues?
• What are my pathology details?

2. Build Your Medical Team

Your team may include:

• Head and neck surgeon
• Radiation oncologist
• Medical oncologist
• Dental oncologist
• Speech/swallow therapist
• Nutritionist

3. Prepare for Treatment

Treatment may involve:

• Surgery
• Jaw reconstruction
• Lymph node removal
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy

Important:

Bring someone with you to appointments. Cancer information can feel like drinking from a firehose.