Mouth and Throat Cancer Rates Increasing

The journal Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery has noted an increase in the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in patients younger than 45 years over the time period from 1973 to 2009.  In addition, there was an increase, from 28% to 43%, in the proportion of grade III/IV tumors.  Treatment for this type of cancer involves surgery, often in combination with radiation therapy.  As with any cancer, early detection is most important.  For this type of tumor, the five year survival rate is 54%.  The rising incidence is thought to be related to transmission of the human papilloma virus (HPV) and changes in sexual practices.  This is added evidence is support of vaccinating both boys and girls to prevent disease.

Source:  HealthDay News


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Prosthetic Treatment for Oral Cancer Patients

Tumors affecting the upper jawbone or overlying tissue often require removal of half of the palate.  Such a surgery creates an opening into the sinus cavity above the jawbone and next to the nose.  In this instance, the entire soft palate was also removed.  The function of a post-surgical prosthesis is to replace the function of what was removed:  to replace the volume of the upper jawbone and teeth, to create a seal between the mouth and sinus, to create surfaces against which the sides and back of the throat can press against to form speech sounds, and to create a seal between mouth and nose so swallowing directs  liquids and solids downward into the throat instead of leaking through the nose.  We work with Head and Neck surgeons in the operating room to  fabricate a prosthesis at the time of surgery to form a foundation against which the tissues can heal and look normal from the outside of the face.  After healing, we create a final prosthesis to restore function.  We are the only office locally to treat these patients.  This patient told me this week that at her work she had been restored to her original position, which involved talking on the phone all day.  She wears her partial without complaint; in fact, she has been an eager participant in regaining normalcy. She has taken her life back, in the face of unimaginable trauma, and her attitude and energy is an inspiration to me, and reminds me of why I do this.  

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309