Oral cancer natural history

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Natural history[edit | edit source]

Complications[edit | edit source]

• Postoperative disfigurement of the face, head and neck
• Complications of radiation therapy, including dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
• Other metastasis (spread) of the cancer

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

Survival rates for oral cancer depend on the precise site, and the stage of the cancer at diagnosis. Overall, survival is around 50% at five years when all stages of initial diagnosis are considered. Survival rates for stage 1 cancers are 90%, hence the emphasis on early detection to increase survival outcome for patients.

References[edit | edit source]

 complications and prognosis