Oral mucosal disease involves the soft tissues of the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheek, tongue, palate and even the salivary glands. Lesions that develop in the mouth as swelling, white or red patches or even as mouth ulcers can be a manifestation of problems in other parts of the body.

It is important to have these lesions examined by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon as they could be cancerous. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon may perform biopsies of the lesions if they appear suspicious, and he or she will also be involved in the treatment of such diseases.

Oral cancers affect men more than women and more commonly occur among the middle-aged and elderly.

Oral cancer is a deadly disease of the face, mouth and jaws. Its diagnosis and management is done by a multidisciplinary team involving an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, maxillofacial prosthodontist and restorative dentist, speech and swallowing therapist and dietitian.

Dental Oral Cancer Clinic at NUH

At National University Hospital, a patient with oral cancer will be seen at the Dental Oral Cancer Clinic for diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as follow-up care to ensure good quality of life after treatment.

The oral and maxillofacial surgeon is involved in the surgical treatment of cancer resection and reconstruction, and also helps in the rehabilitation of chewing and swallowing functions with the use of dental implants, together with the maxillofacial prosthodontist. The patient also receives follow-up checks for any future dental and oral-related problems.

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Read this next:

• Oral Cancers: Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment