Therapeutic results in oral cancer--what has been learned?
Mäkitie, A.; Keski-Säntti, H.; Saarilahti, K.; Bäck, L.; Kontio, R.; Grénman, R.; Koivunen, P.; Laranne, J.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja 127(18): 1986-1991
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-7183 PMID: 22034737 Document Number: 654217
Oral cancer is the most common head and neck cancer in Finland. The number of new cases has been on a steady rise over the last decades. Smoking and heavy drinking are the most important risk factors. The role of papilloma virus infection is under active research, albeit with a smaller role than in oropharyngeal cancer, for instance. Surgical excision of the tumor is usually the first-line treatment. Pathoanatomical investigation of the primary tumor and cervical lymph nodes is essential in evaluating the need of adjuvant therapy. The prognosis of oral cancer has improved as a result of early detection and development of treatment modalities.