can mouth cancer spread to the lungs and if so is it very common

Hi Caz, I would speak to Vicki cos I'm sure she told me that this is possible if they have removed the lymph nodes from you neck.
Maurice

Hi caz

Most patients with head and neck cancer have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis (regional nodal involvement in 43% and distant metastasis in 10%). When oral cancer spreads, it usually travels through the lymphatic system. Cancer cells that enter the lymphatic system are carried along by lymph, an almost colorless, watery fluid containing cells that help the body fight infection and disease. Along the lymphatic channels are groups of small, bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes (sometimes called lymph glands). Oral cancer that spreads usually travels to the lymph nodes in the neck.The lymphatic drainage of the unmanipulated neck is systematic and predictable; knowledge of these drainage patterns assists the clinician in locating the primary tumor that has given rise to a neck metastasis. While it can also spread to other parts of the body like the lung, it is not common. PA and lateral chest x-rays should be obtained in all adult patients to eliminate the possibility of occult lung metastasis or a second primary. Distant metastases increase as the disease progresses (despite treatment) and most often involve the lungs, bones, and liver.
For more info: click Metastasis. Hope that helps.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee: