Cancer Rehabilitation
Cancer Rehabilitation
At our center, interdisciplinary teams work together to enhance the physical, psychological, and social well-being of cancer survivors. Our goal is to help patients regain comfort, confidence, and a better quality of life after treatment for Oral Cancer.
Precancerous Lesions & Early Intervention
Many oral cancers start as precancerous lesions. Identifying and treating these early greatly improves outcomes.
Common precancerous and high-risk oral conditions include:
- Leukoplakia
- Erythroplakia
- Palatal lesions from reverse cigar smoking
- Oral lichen planus
- Oral submucous fibrosis
- Discoid lupus erythematosus
- Genetic disorders like dyskeratosis congenita & epidermolysis bullosa
- Early screening and timely intervention can prevent these lesions from transforming into cancer.
Treatment Rehabilitation
- Oral Mucositis, Loss of taste − Dysgeusia, Erythema, Xerostomia, Radiation Caries, Trismus, TMJ dysfunction, Muscle fibrosis, Osteo-Radionecrosis, Changes in oral flora − Candidal infections, Gingivitis.
- Loss of anatomical structures including Teeth, Mandible, Maxilla, Tongue, Soft Palate, Alveolar Ridges, Sulci.
- Altered oral anatomy such as loss of Lip competence, Altered Muscle insertions, Altered Muscle balance, Altered Tongue function Loss or Altered sensations: loss of proprioception, Trismus Scar tissue and bulky Flaps.
- Mastication, Deglutition and speech. Inability to use dentures.
- The detrimental physical and psychological effects caused by Oral Cancer and its treatment leading to poor quality of life..
Current Rehabilitation
- The process of rehabilitation begins at the time of initial diagnosis and treatment planning
- The dentition should be preserved if possible
- Rehabilitative treatment plans should be based on fundamental principles of Prosthodontics including a philosophy of Preventive Dentistry and Conservative Restorative Dentistry
- Surgery before prosthetic rehabilitation may be indicated to improve the existing anatomic configuration after ablative Cancer surgery, reconstructive surgery, and/or radiation therapy
- Multidisciplinary Cancer care is required to achieve the optimal function
OralCareThe Oral Cancer Crisis
Most oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, and despite major medical advancements, the 5-year survival rate remains around 50–60%.
Although the oral cavity is easy to examine, many cases are still detected late, reducing treatment success and survival.
Early detection, public awareness, and timely rehabilitation are key to improving outcomes.
Rehabilitation Services
Speech & Swallowing Rehabilitation
Our rehabilitation includes:
- Speech and language therapy
- Oral prostheses to support speech and swallowing
- Techniques that help patients regain eating comfort
- Guidance to restore communication confidence
- Early and continuous therapy leads to better functional recovery and improved quality of life.
Olfaction and Gustation
Prosthodontic Oral Rehabilitation of the Oral Cancer patient
The Prosthodontic needs of Oral Cancer patients include the rehabilitation of oral form and function that have been lost through treatment. Prosthodontic treatment options include; maintenance of a functional dental arch (shortened dental arch), fixed prostheses (bridgework), removable partial dentures (RPDs), Maxillary Obturators, implant-retained fixed or removable prostheses, and complete dentures. To accelerate oral rehabilitation, a treatment plan should be devised (with the patient’s support) as early as possible, and preferably before Cancer treatment. Patients should follow a Prosthodontic pathway similar to that given below. This shows patients moving through a pre-Cancer treatment oral rehabilitation assessment, primary interventions at the time of surgery, and secondary interventions after Cancer treatment
Prosthodontic Oral Rehabilitation
Prosthodontic rehabilitation plays a crucial role in rebuilding oral function after cancer treatment.
Patients may experience:
- Pain
- Difficulties with speech and swallowing
- Changes in facial appearance
- Psychosocial distress
Our team provides:
- Custom oral prostheses for structural and functional support
- Pain management strategies
- Depression and anxiety intervention
Guidance to build coping strategies to overcome emotional stress The goal is to help patients regain oral function, reduce discomfort, and restore overall well-being.