Oral function after oncological intervention in the oral cavity: a retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Oral Medicine
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Oral cavity cancer significantly impacts patients' quality of life.
• Assessing long-term self-perceived oral function is crucial for treatment planning and patient support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate self-perceived oral function in oral cavity cancer patients at distinct treatment phases: pre-intervention, 5 weeks post-intervention, and 5 years post-intervention.
• To identify region-specific functional outcomes following oncologic intervention.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 158 oral cavity cancer patients treated surgically in 1999-2000 was studied.
• Telephone interviews were conducted in 2005 with 69 patients, collecting data on dental status, chewing/swallowing, xerostomia, food consistency, tube nutrition, weight loss, and speech.

Main Results:

• Maxilla-treated patients showed significant chewing ability recovery after 5 years.
• Mandible-treated patients reported persistent deterioration in dental status, chewing, lip competence, and xerostomia.
• Tongue and mouth-floor-treated patients experienced long-term declines in dental status, chewing ability, and xerostomia.

Conclusions:

• Telephone interviews provide valuable insights into patients' experienced oral function challenges during and after cancer treatment.
• Retrospective interviews can supplement incomplete data, aiding in a comprehensive understanding of treatment sequelae.