A multidisciplinary team approach to preservation of quality of life for patients following oral cancer surgery.

Knowledge of the etiology and pathophysiology of, and risk factors contributing to oral cavity cancer facilitates patient assessment and diagnosis. If untreated, oral cavity cancer can be disabling and potentially fatal. Even when treated, using the modalities discussed in this article, the patient experiences significant changes in body image and quality of life. The patient's physical and psychosocial needs must be identified pre-operatively and assessed throughout the post-operative period. By providing programs as described at the Toronto General Hospital utilizing a coordinated multidisciplinary team approach that encourages, supports, and nurtures patients and their significant others, an optimum quality of life may be established for this population. From the outset, patient education describing oral cancer and the course of treatment to follow, may contribute to the preservation and/or early return of optimum quality of life. Increased public knowledge and awareness of oral cavity cancer regarding risk factors and their potential effects may contribute to healthier life styles.