Treatment planning for intraoral maxillofacial prosthetics for cancer patients

Abstract

A preliminary study was made on 50 oral cancer patients. These patients were arbitrarily divided into “maxillary” and “mandibular” tumor groups, according to the proximity of the tumor site. These groups were compared with a matched control group of dental patients. This preliminary study suggested that there are differences between the two oral cancer groups, and these differences affect prosthetic treatment. Preponderantly, the tumors found in the mandibular cancer group were squamous cell carcinomas, while the maxillary cancer patients demonstrated more variation in tumor type. Patients in the maxillary tumor group were in a higher socioeconomic level, appeared more stable, and developed greater motivation for treatment. The maxillary tumor group of patients had more teeth present and the teeth were in better condition; these individuals offered a better prosthetic prognosis. The theory of excessive smoking and drinking in association with oral cancer patients is primarily confirmed in individuals with cancer approximating the mandible. Factors of which the prosthodontist should be aware are enumerated in the hope that he will consider the defect and prosthesis as part of the whole individual and not as a separate entity. In this manner, more successful prosthetic rehabilitation can be accomplished.