Oral cancer and precancer: after-care and terminal care

This paper looks at the social and psychological effects of cancer on patients and their families, and discusses the support and after-care required by a patient who has been treated for an oral cancer. The role of the dental practitioner in the maintenance of oral health and comfort is discussed, and the management of the side-effects of the different treatment modalities is described. The particular problems and needs of patients, and the relatives of patients, in the terminal stages of oral cancer are also discussed.