Sentinel Node Biopsy Versus Limited Elective Neck Dissection in Early Cancers of Oral Cavity NoDe Negative

This trial is comparing two surgical approaches for early-stage tongue or cheek cancer (oral squamous cell carcinoma) where the lymph nodes in the neck appear cancer-free. One approach uses a sentinel node biopsy (a minimally invasive technique to check if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes), while the other removes a small group of neck lymph nodes as a precaution (limited elective neck dissection). **You may be eligible if...** - You are over 18 with biopsy-confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue or inner cheek - Your cancer is early stage (T1 or T2) with no detectable lymph node involvement on imaging or exam - The tumor can be removed through the mouth (per oral excision) - You have not had any prior treatment for this cancer **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have had previous head and neck surgery or cancer - Your tumor is on the upper gum or palate - You have other cancers - You would need a large tissue flap reconstruction Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.