The reconstructive oral cancer patient: what the general dental practitioner needs to know.

Abstract

The rate of oral cancer is on the rise; lesions are often being picked up late meaning it is necessary for patients to undergo multidisciplinary head and neck reconstruction. Working in a specialist head and neck oncology unit this year has opened my eyes as to how this patient subgroup is managed, with regards to both a surgical and restorative basis. This article has been written to help inform GDPs about the upcoming NHS guidelines, 'The NHS Oral Cancer Toolkit', in the management of oral cancer patients. Furthermore, I hope that the reader gains an appreciation for what the oral cancer patient endures on their toilsome journey. This article is designed as a refresher on the restorative management of the oral cancer patient. After having read this article you will have an improved awareness of the '8-step' oral cancer screen and an insight as to what happens when the patient is sent on the urgent cancer pathway. Most importantly, this paper will refresh your learning on what the GDP needs to do in the preoperative and postoperative phases with regards to the oral health and wellbeing of the reconstructive oral cancer patient.