Defining TRPV4 Contribution of Schwann Cells to Oral Cancer Pain

This study is investigating the role of a specific protein called TRPV4 — found in cells called Schwann cells that surround nerve fibers — in causing pain in people with oral cancer (cancer of the mouth). Researchers will collect tissue samples during surgery to better understand how nerve pain in oral cancer works, which may help develop better pain treatments in the future. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 years or older - You are in good general health (for healthy volunteers) - OR you have been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (a common type of oral cancer) that requires surgical removal, and the tumor is at least 1 cm in size **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You are a healthy volunteer who has pre-cancer or cancer of the mouth - You are pregnant or breastfeeding - You have had prior surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation for head and neck cancer (for cancer patients) - You have any condition that would put you at increased risk or prevent your full participation in the study Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.