Carcinoma of Oral Cavity

CARCINOMA OF ORAL CAVITY

 

Morbidity and mortality in cancer had been greatly caused by the presence of Oral cavity Carcinoma. Recent improvement in treatment procedures has increased overall survival with less morbidity. Surgical resection has been recommended as the prima facie method of treatment followed by stage specific recommendation for adjuvant therapy. It is important to enquire about onset and duration. The consulting physician will also make a check about family history and the risk factors. Determination of stage is critical for planning surgery and reconstruction by a cancer doctor. Acute interventions are thus being planned too. Critical observations are required to identify any alterations of speech, an articulation, and tongue mobility that are helpful to suggest any above-board involvement of tongue muscle and hypoglossal nerves.

Use of Radiographic imaging is also required for making preparation for assessment of primary tumor extent and identifying synchronous second primary tumors. High-resolution anatomic imaging is obtained through computed tomography and use of intravenous contrast material. Thus, bone invasion assessment has become more accurate and inexpensive too.

Treatment of OCC is normally done by a multi-disciplinary team. Specialists from the realm of trained Surgical Oncology, Radiation, Chemotherapy, Nutrition, Dentistry and Psychology form the team. Best patient care is thus ensured.

Disclaimer

Oncology is an ever evolving field of medicine and is matter of research and development. The author per say does not claim the following to be guidelines of practice in oncology. These are part of patient awareness initiative by Dr. Suvadip Chakrabarti MCh (Surgical Oncology), cancer doctor in Kolkata to educate people at large of various options in Oncology. It should not be taken to be practice guidelines.