Comparing Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) Biopsy With Standard Neck Dissection for Patients With Early-Stage Oral Cavity Cancer

Inclusion Criteria: * PRIOR TO STEP 1 REGISTRATION INCLUSION: * Pathologically (histologically or cytologically) proven diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity, including the oral (mobile) tongue, floor of mouth (FOM), mucosal lip, buccal mucosa, lower alveolar ridge, upper alveolar ridge, retromolar gingiva (retromolar trigone; RMT), or hard palate prior to registration * Appropriate stage for study entry (T1-2N0M0; American Joint Committee on Cancer \[AJCC\] 8th edition \[ed.\]) based on the following diagnostic workup: * History/physical examination within 42 days prior to registration * Imaging of head and neck within 42 days prior to registration * PET/CT scan or contrast neck CT scan, or gadolinium-enhanced neck magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or lateral and central neck ultrasound; diagnostic quality CT is preferred and highly recommended as part of the PET/CT when possible * Imaging of chest within 42 days prior to registration * Chest x-ray, CT chest scan (with or without contrast), or PET/CT (with or without contrast) * Surgical assessment within 42 days prior to registration. Patient must be a candidate for surgical intervention with sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy and potential completion neck dissection (CND) or elective neck dissection (END) * Surgical resection of the primary tumor will occur through a transoral approach with anticipation of resection free margins * Age \>= 18 * Zubrod performance status 0-2 within 4…