Oral cancer medical therapy

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Oral cancer Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Medical Therapy

Radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with surgery, or as the definitive radical treatment, especially if the tumour is inoperable.

Following treatment, rehabilitation may be necessary to improve movement, chewing, swallowing, and speech. Speech therapists may be involved at this stage.

Chemotherapy is useful in oral cancers when used in combination with outher treatment modalities such a radiation therapy. It is seldmom used alone as a monotherapy. When cure is unlikely it can also be used to extend life and can be consider palliative but not curative care. Biological agents, such as Cetuximab have recently been shown to be effective in the treatment of squamous cell head and neck cancers, and are likely to have an increasing role in the future management of this condition when used in conjuction with other treatments.

Treatment of oral cancer will usually be by be a multidisciplinary team, with treatment professionals from the realms of radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, nutrition, dental professionals, and even psychology all possibly involved with diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and patient care.