Long-Term Surgical Complications in the Oral Cancer Patient: A Comprehensive Review. Part II

Abstract

ObjectivesSurgery remains the preferred treatment for the majority of oral cancers. The aim of the present article was to provide a comprehensive review of complications associated with surgical treatment of oral cancer including hardware failure; complications associated with choice of reconstruction, donor site morbidity as well as functional and aesthetic issues that impact on the quality of life.Material and MethodsThe available English language literature relevant to complications associated with surgical treatment of oral cancer was reviewed. Complications associated with potential for disfigurement, choice of reconstruction, donor site morbidity as well as functional and aesthetic issues that impact on the quality of life are summarized.ResultsIn total 35 literature sources were obtained and reviewed. The topics covered in the second part of this review series include hardware failure, scars and fistula formation; complications associated with choice of reconstruction, donor site morbidity as well as functional and aesthetic issues.ConclusionsCancer resection should be planned around two very important concepts. First and foremost is the eradication of disease. This should be the ultimate goal of the ablative team and all potential complications that may be the result of appropriately executed oncologic resection should be discussed in details with the patient. Adequate reconstruction of the defects with restoration of form and function is the second, but not of less importance, goal for the successful care of the head and neck cancer patient.

The oral management of oncology patients requiring radiotherapy, chemotherapy and/or bone marrow transplantation

“…In summary, dentists are increasingly likely to find that they have children and adults in their care who may present before or after cancer treatment requiring dental assessment and / or urgent dental care. The patient's oral care and function are important contributors to post-treatment social adaptation and life quality (Kolokythas, 2010) (Shavi et al, 2015) (Thani and Bumb, 2014). Appropriate preventive regimens, timely oral care and improved dental services can minimise complications and improve quality of life (Bennadi and Reddy, 2013).…”

Postsurgical Imaging of the Oral Cavity and Oropharynx: What Radiologists Need to Know

“…Tumor recurrence deep to flap reconstruction is invisible and nonpalpable. Therefore, followup imaging should be performed periodically to detect recurrence early so that new surgical treatment opportunities remain possible (7,28,29). One of the best methods to avoid misinterpretation is to compare current images with images from prior examinations.…”

“…Benign lesions usually appear with high apparent diffusion coefficient values (Fig 17). Necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis after treatment are also associated with high apparent diffusion coefficient values (7,29,30). Qualitative diffusionweighted imaging has been performed mainly to analyze the signal intensity of the tissue to differentiate (early or late) tumor recurrence from residual changes or complications after surgery (30).…”

Nasolabial flap reconstruction in oral cancer

“…It offers a large surface of thin, pliable skin that allows for complex reconstruction, but unfortunately donor site morbidity rates are quite high, for example, through delayed wound healing and exposure of tendons. The need of microsurgical expertise is a major disadvantage [1]. This makes nasolabial flaps ideal for reconstruction of small intraoral defects.…”