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CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, Vol 18, 268-278, Copyright © 1968 by American Cancer Society

Management of Bone in the Patient Before, During, and After Treatment for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can be readily diagnosed when examined by physicians and dentists who have a high suspicion index for malignant lesions. When oral cancer is diagnosed in a localized stage, cure is possible in a high percentage of cases.

It is astonishing how much diversity of opinion there is regarding the management of the teeth and bone when these structures are involved incidental to the management of patients with oral cancer.

Many physicians who manage patients with oral cancer have failed to thoroughly evaluate the status of the soft tissues, teeth, and bone prior to the institution of therapy. This failure to recognize existing dental problems, and the failure to keep detailed records concerning morbidity and complications, has resulted in many physicians' opinions which are really impressions and not documented by facts.

There should be greater cooperation between physicians, dentists, surgeons, and pathologists in the management of patients with oral cancer.

It is highly desirable to have the services of a dentist knowledgeable of the effects of ionizing radiation in tissues as a part of the professional team managing patients with oral cancer.

There is need for both animal and clinical research concerning the effects of ionizing radiation on the soft tissues, teeth, and bone.

Opinion surveys obtained in a relatively short period of time are important but since detailed records are usually not available, nor sufficient time to assay the records, most often "off the cuff" impressions are given in reply.