Outcomes of Management of Advanced oral Cavity Carcinoma (T3 and T4) Following Surgery and Chemoradiotherapy Among Rural Population in Gujarat

Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) makes up 30% of head and neck cancers in India, often diagnosed late (T3/T4) due to limited rural healthcare access. This study evaluates functional outcomes after surgery and chemoradiation for advanced OSCC. To assess the functional outcomes in advanced oral cavity carcinomas following surgery and chemo radiotherapy. This prospective longitudinal study of 105 patients with advanced stage oral cavity malignancies who underwent surgical management over a period of 1 year and 6 months. Functional outcomes were assessed at 6 months post-surgery using the HNC FIT scale and analysis was done using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests and ANOVA test. (p < 0.05). Functional outcomes using the HNC FIT scale revealed significant impacts on food intake (mean score 2.33/5), neck and shoulder mobility (mean score 2.68/5), and speech outcomes (mean score 2.58/5). Conversely, improved outcomes were observed in breathing (mean score 3.83/5), mood (mean score 3.75/5), and pain (mean score 3.33/5). The study emphasizes the need for holistic care in oral cavity cancer management, focusing on pain management, psychosocial support and preserving vital functions like food intake, breathing and speech to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.