Oral Cancer

Abstract

The management of oral cancer is a multidisciplinary endeavour, as each patient presents the treating clinicians with a unique set of challenges the management of which impacts on both survival and quality of life. This article focuses on the management of oral cancer. We highlight the epidemiology and risk factors for oral cancer in Australia, the various clinical presentations that occur and the staging of oral cancer. In the vast majority of cases surgery remains the mainstay of treatment. Radiation and medical oncology is usually used in an adjuvant context. Dental professionals play a critical role in many stages of management from the initial detection, to optimising pre treatment dental health and managing the short and long term sequelae of treatment. Monitouring for recurrence and the development of second primary tumours is a key role.

Keywords: Cancer outcomes; chemotherapy; epidemiology; head and neck tumours; oral cancer; radiotherapy; surgery.