The dentist won't help. What is tooth cancer and how to fight it?

Teeth are important organs that provide several human needs at once: an aesthetic effect and calmness of the nervous system, chewing food and the proper functioning of the digestive system, the formation of a bite, and therefore correct speech. At the same time, they are very delicate, and this is fraught with serious health problems for a person. If many often encounter painful caries, cysts in the gums, and destruction of the crown, then the situation when such a terrible disease as tooth cancer develops turns out to be very unexpected. If only because many people cannot even think about this type of oncology. The director of the dental studio Fedor Zakharov told AiF.ru about how tooth cancer can be hidden behind a harmless wound on the gum or a lump on the lip .

Question and answer Which brush is better: with natural bristles or synthetic?

Causes

Let's look at the causes of dental cancer

:

• Oral injuries of various origins. Poor-quality dentures rub the gums; the presence of piercings in the tongue or lip can cause inflammation
• Bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs).
• Untreated caries.
• Inflammatory diseases of soft tissues.
• Herpes virus, HPV, Bowen's disease.
• Poor oral hygiene.
• Hot or spicy foods that constantly irritate the mucous membranes.
• Work in conditions harmful to health (hot workshop, dusty room).
• A history of cancer of the stomach, kidneys and lungs. In this case dental cancer

  is a secondary pathology.

  Read also:  Pediatric dentistry: modern approaches to treatment and prevention

To take care of your health, rule out dental cancer, causes

its development must be monitored. Careful oral care, eradication of bad habits, and regular visits to the dentist will reduce the risk of developing pathology.

Dangerous symptoms

It is clear that diagnosing dental cancer is not so easy. It is worth being wary in cases where there is the appearance of long-term non-healing ulcers on the oral mucosa, deformations that are sometimes already noticeable to the eye, pain in untreated and intact teeth, when sensitivity changes. These are alarm bells that need to be responded to urgently and immediately run to the dentist. The earlier a tumor is detected, the greater the chance of minimizing losses.

It is also worth considering such an important sign as bleeding gums. If in a normal state, in order for blood to flow, you need to damage the gum, then in the case of cancer, light pressure will be enough. Also, swelling of the gums and increased body temperature may appear in parallel.

Stages of pathology development

Dental cancer

Like any cancer, it occurs in the human body through four stages:

• The first stage is when the tumor is within 10 mm. The place of formation is the mucous membrane or tooth germ.
• The second stage is when the tumor reaches 3 cm. The symptoms of cancer become more obvious. Metastasis is found in one of the regional lymph nodes.
• Stage three – the tumor exceeds 3 cm in size. Metastases are detected in several regional lymph nodes.
• The fourth stage is when the process becomes aggressively malignant, affecting the oral cavity, nose, and also the base of the skull. Metastases may be found in the lungs and liver.

Symptoms of tooth cancer

Oncology in the initial stages has hidden symptoms and can develop over years and decades. Gradually the symptoms begin to manifest themselves:

• A formation of soft consistency to the touch appears on the jaw, convex in shape, increasing in size over time.
• The dentition may become deformed and the teeth become mobile.
• Pain sensations increase. It becomes difficult for a person to eat, chew, and swallow.
• Regional lymph nodes increase in size.
• A man loses weight.
• Low-grade body temperature, which periodically rises.
• Fistulas in tissues.
• When pressing on the tumor area, the doctor may feel a crunching sound.
• The enamel becomes fragile and is destroyed very easily.

In the prevention of dental cancer symptoms

may not appear, but it is important to visit your doctor regularly. Identified disease in the early stages provides a better prognosis for treatment. Late stages are dangerous for metastasis to other organs.

What is the risk of developing the disease?

If treatment for tooth root granuloma is not started in a timely manner, then first you risk losing your tooth. But there are other negative consequences:

• dental cyst - the formation of a capsule filled with dead cells and bacteria;
• periostitis or flux - inflammation of the periosteum with the formation of a purulent sac;
• fistula - a hole or canal in the gum;
• abscess - inflammation as a result of rupture of a purulent formation in soft tissues.

Purulent inflammation is a dangerous condition in which self-medication can lead to even greater problems - meningitis, sepsis and others. When the first signs appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. Diagnosis and removal of dental granuloma requires high professionalism of the doctor. The specialists of the Comfort Dentistry clinic will be happy to help you with this.

Treatment of tooth cancer

When the doctor confirms dental cancer, symptoms

which prompted you to come to the appointment, it is necessary to begin treatment as soon as possible. The most effective method is surgical removal of the tumor within healthy tissue. In the early stages of the process, the tumor is removed along with the teeth and part of the jaw.

In other cases, the jaw is resected completely or partially, and regional lymph nodes are removed. Based on the results of diagnosing the type of tumor and the stage of the process, chemotherapy or laser therapy is prescribed before surgery in order to reduce the tumor in size.

In the first and second stages, the prognosis is favorable: 80% of people survive the 5-year mark. In the third stage of the disease, more than half of people survive five years. In the fourth stage, only 15% reach the five-year survival mark. Regular preventive examinations and adherence to healthy lifestyle standards can reduce the risk of disease.

Dental treatment for oncology

Dental treatment for cancer is associated with difficulties. During chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the body suffers from various side effects. Dental treatment becomes additional stress for a person. The gold standard before starting cancer therapy is oral hygiene, as the body will be less able to resist bacteria during cancer treatment.

Tumors of the oral mucosa

SPECIALIZED ONCOLOGY CARE www.OncoClinic.com

Precancerous diseases

The development of cancer of the oral mucosa in 20-50% of cases is preceded by various precancerous diseases . Most often, precancer develops on the mucous membrane of the tongue (50-70%) and cheeks (11-20%). Processes with a high incidence of malignancy (obligate precancer) include Bowen's disease. Facultative precancers are represented by verrucous leukoplakia, papillomatosis, keratoacanthoma, erosive-ulcerative and hyperkeratotic forms of lupus erythematosus and lichen planus, post-radiation stomatitis.

Bowen's disease occurs more often in men aged 40-70 years, mainly in the area of ​​the soft palate, uvula, and tongue. Clinically, it is characterized, as a rule, by the appearance of a single lesion in the form of a limited, slowly enlarging spotty-nodular lesion of a congestive red color measuring more than 1 cm in diameter. Its surface can be eroded and covered with small papillary growths. The diagnosis of the disease must be confirmed morphologically.

Verrucous leukoplakia differs from the flat form of leukoplakia by a greater degree of keratinization. The affected area of ​​the mucous membrane protrudes above the surrounding tissues, its color is grayish-white, and there is a slight thickening upon palpation. Verrucous leukoplakia has plaque and warty clinical varieties. The warty variety has the greatest likelihood of malignancy. With this form, against the background of flat leukoplakia, dense-lumpy warty growths appear, which form mainly on the mucous membrane of the cheek, closer to the corners of the mouth.

Papillomatosis is characterized by the appearance of papillary growths on the mucous membrane. With the increased development of leukokeratosis, the surface of papillomatous growths acquires a whitish color. Inflammation often develops at the site of mucosal lesions. Superficial ulceration of the formation is possible.

Treatment of localized forms of precancerous diseases of the oral mucosa is surgical - excision, cryo- and laser destruction, electrical excision. Treatment of chronic ulcers on the oral mucosa includes the elimination of traumatic factors and conservative therapy. If there is no positive effect, a cytological examination of the prints or an excisional biopsy is performed within 2-3 weeks.

Cancer of the oral mucosa

The group of tumors of the oral mucosa includes malignant neoplasms of the mucous membrane of the tongue (excluding the root of the tongue), floor of the mouth, cheeks, hard and soft palate, alveolar process of the lower and upper jaw.

In the structure of incidence, cancer of the oral mucosa makes up 1.5% of the total number of malignant neoplasms. The highest rates are observed in southern and southeastern Asia, France and some countries in South America. The incidence of malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity in Russia (1997) is 2.7 per 100,000 population. In men, cancer of the oral mucosa develops 4-5 times more often than in women. Most patients are in the 5th-7th decade of life. The main factor contributing to the occurrence of cancer of the oral mucosa is smoking, which increases the risk of developing the disease by 2.5 times. When smoking and drinking strong alcohol are combined, the risk increases 15 times. Eating nasa and chewing betel leaves have a similar carcinogenic effect. Occupational hazards (prolonged contact with soot) and lack of vitamins B and A play a certain role. Other important etiological factors are chronic injuries and inflammatory processes of the oral mucosa.

The tongue (50-60%) and the mucous membrane of the floor of the mouth (20-35%) are most often affected by malignant tumors. Cancer of the buccal mucosa is observed in 8-10% of patients. It is extremely rare that tumors develop on the mucous membrane of the hard palate (1.3%). The vast majority of malignant neoplasms of the oral mucosa are represented by squamous cell carcinoma. A feature of its course is a tendency to lymphogenous metastasis to the superficial and deep lymph nodes of the neck (40-75%).

International histological classification of malignant tumors of the oral cavity and oropharynx

I. Tumors arising from stratified squamous epithelium:

1. Intraepithelial carcinoma (carcinoma in situ). 2.Squamous cell carcinoma. 3. Types of squamous cell carcinoma (verrucous carcinoma, spindle cell carcinoma, lymphoepithelioma). II. Tumors arising from soft tissues:

1. Fibrosarcoma. 2. Liposarcoma. 3. Leiomyosarcoma. 4. Rhabdomyosarcoma. 5.Chondrosarcoma. 6. Malignant hemangioendothelioma (angiosarcoma). 7. Malignant hemangiopericytoma. 8. Malignant lymphangioendothelioma (lymphosarcoma). 9. Malignant schwannoma. III. Tumors arising from the melanogenic system:

1. Malignant melanoma. IV. Tumors of controversial or unknown origin:

1. Malignant granular cell tumor. 2.Alveolar soft tissue sarcoma. 3. Kaposi's sarcoma. International classification according to the TNM system

T - primary tumor: Tx - insufficient data to evaluate the primary tumor, T0 - primary tumor not determined, Tis - preinvasive carcinoma (carcinoma in situ), T1 - tumor up to 2 cm in greatest dimension, T2 - tumor up to 4 cm in greatest dimension , T3 - tumor more than 4 cm in greatest dimension, T4 - tumor spreads to adjacent structures - bone, deep (external) muscles of the tongue, maxillary sinus, skin.

Notes:

1.The deep muscles of the tongue include the hypoglossus, genioglossus, and palatoglossus. 2. Superficial erosion of the osteodental cavity by a primary gingival tumor is not sufficient to designate the process as T4. 3. If there is doubt about the spread of the tumor to the bone, choose a less common category. If scintigraphy identifies a focus of pathological accumulation of radiopharmaceuticals, then the tumor is classified as T4. N/pN - regional lymph nodes: N/pNx - insufficient data to evaluate regional lymph nodes. N/pN0 - there are no signs of metastatic lesions of regional lymph nodes. pN0 - histological examination of material from a selected area of ​​neck tissue includes 6 or more lymph nodes; histological examination of the material obtained using radical or modified radical lymphadenectomy includes 10 or more lymph nodes, N/pN1 - metastases in one lymph node on the affected side, up to 3 cm or less in the greatest dimension, N/pN2 - metastases in one or several lymph nodes on the affected side, up to 6 cm in greatest dimension, or metastases in the lymph nodes of the neck on both sides or the opposite side, up to 6 cm in greatest dimension: N/pN2a - metastases in one lymph node on the affected side, up to 6 cm in greatest dimension, N/pN2b - metastases in several lymph nodes on the affected side, up to 6 cm in greatest dimension, N/pN2c - metastases in lymph nodes on both sides or on the opposite side, up to 6 cm in greatest dimension, N/pN3 - metastasis in a lymph node more than 6 cm in greatest dimension.

Note. Lymph nodes on the affected side also include lymph nodes located in the midline.

M - distant metastases: Mx - the presence of distant metastases cannot be assessed, M0 - no distant metastases, M1 - distant metastases.

The requirements for determining the рТ category correspond to the requirements for determining the T category.

Grouping by stages

Stage 0 TisN0М0 Stage I Т1N0М0 Stage II Т2N0М0 Stage III Т3N0М0 Т1-3N1М0 Stage IVA Т4N0-1М0 Any ТN2М0 Stage IVB Any ТN3М0 Stage IVC Any ТAny NM1

Clinic. The anatomical forms of oral cancer are very diverse and do not have a generally accepted classification. Most often, cancer of the oral mucosa is a dense exophytic, easily bleeding neoplasm or ulcer with an uneven, tuberous bottom covered with a gray coating and raised edges, clearly demarcated from the surrounding tissues (ulcerative form). Sometimes an infiltrate is detected at the base of the ulcer, going deep into the tissue (ulcerative-infiltrative form). Tumors with an endophytic type of growth are more aggressive. The clinical course of oral cancer is divided into three periods of development. The early period is characterized by minor subjective unusual sensations of thickening of the mucous membrane, the appearance of a white spot of papillary neoplasms or a superficial ulcer, etc. As the tumor develops, it disintegrates, infection occurs, local pain of varying intensity occurs, salivation increases, and foul breath appears (advanced period). The period of neglect is characterized by rapid spread of the tumor to surrounding tissues, leading to significant impairment of the function of swallowing and speech.

Diagnostics includes examination and bimanual palpation, laryngoscopy, fiberoscopy of the oropharynx and nasopharynx, radiography of the facial skeleton (if indicated), morphological and cytological verification of the tumor, cytological examination of punctate enlarged lymph nodes. The clinical minimum examination includes chest x-ray and fibrogastroscopy (high probability of developing synchronous and metachronous damage to the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory and digestive tract).

When making a differential diagnosis, it is necessary to keep in mind nonspecific inflammatory processes, actinomycosis, tuberculous and syphilitic lesions of the oral mucosa, and goiter of the root of the tongue.

Prevention of oral cancer consists of timely treatment of precancerous diseases, sanitation of the oral cavity and rational prosthetics, elimination of bad household habits.

Cancer of the mucous membrane of the tongue

The predominant localizations of the tumor are the lateral edges of the tongue (72-84.4%) and the lower surface of the tip of the tongue (4-15%). The frequency of occurrence of the main clinical and anatomical forms of tongue cancer (exophytic, endophytic, mixed) is approximately the same. The vast majority of malignant tumors of the tongue are squamous cell carcinoma. In the anterior 2/3 of the tongue, cancer of the I-II degree of malignancy is more common; in the posterior third, carcinoma of the III degree of malignancy predominates. About 40% of patients at the time of treatment have clinically detectable metastases in regional lymph nodes. Cancer of the tip of the tongue most often metastasizes to the submental lymph nodes, and from there to the submandibular and deep cervical lymph nodes, cancer of the lateral surface of the tongue - to the submandibular and middle deep lymph nodes of the neck. When the tumor is located at the tip of the tongue or along the midline, bilateral metastasis is observed (5-20%). The biological aggressiveness of malignant tumors of the tongue is reflected in high rates of latent metastasis (30-40%).

Treatment . For stage I cancer of the movable part of the tongue, the surgical method is effective. For tongue cancer of stages II-III with an infiltration depth of no more than 4 cm without deep transfer of the tumor to the mucous membrane of the alveolar process of the mandible, the method of choice is combined radiation therapy. During implantation of intrastats, the issue of applying a temporary tracheostomy should be decided (high risk of tongue swelling and asphyxia). In other cases, treatment is combined. Remote gamma therapy is carried out in the preoperative period (SD 40-45 Gy). The irradiation field includes the primary focus and the area of ​​stage I regional lymph nodes (in the absence of metastases) or all lymph nodes of the neck (in the case of clinically detectable metastases). The interval between the end of radiation therapy and surgery should not exceed 2-3 weeks. Hemiglossectomy is performed when the tumor diameter is no more than 4 cm using the electrosurgical method. Locally advanced tumors of the tongue are an indication for combined or extended operations. To perform combined operations, approaches through the mouth are used, with additional dissection of the tissues of the cheek or lower lip along the midline and various types of osteotomy. In case of advanced tongue cancer, the volume of resection is increased due to partial removal of the root and the opposite part of the tongue (subtotal and total glossectomy), all muscle structures of the tumor-affected area, the contents of the submandibular (required) and mental (if indicated) triangles. The spread of the tumor to the lower jaw is an indication for its segmental resection. In this case, it is necessary to apply a temporary tracheostomy and provide enteral nutrition to the patient. Total glossectomy or intersection of both hypoglossal nerves leads to the need for long-term tube feeding of the patient or the application of a gastrostomy. To improve functional and cosmetic results in penetrating resections of the mandible, vascularized complex bone-soft tissue free flaps, titanium implants, pedunculated musculocutaneous regional flaps, and free bone grafts are used.

Postoperative irradiation is carried out in the presence of a residual tumor (R1-2) up to a total focal dose of 70 Gy (taking into account previously performed radiation therapy). The volume of irradiated tissue includes the bed of the removed tumor and areas of its local spread.

Since the frequency of latent regional lymphogenous metastasis of tongue cancer is high, prophylactic bilateral lymphadenectomy is performed 2-3 weeks after surgery on the primary lesion or after completion of a course of radiation therapy. In the presence of clinically detectable metastases, cervical lymph node dissection on the affected side is performed simultaneously with removal of the primary lesion. After 3-4 weeks, prophylactic lymphadenectomy is performed on the opposite side.

The main types of surgical interventions on the cervical lymphatic system are the Krile operation and fascial-sheath excision of the tissue of the neck. The Crail operation is performed in the presence of multiple or single non-displaceable metastases in regional lymph nodes. With this type of intervention, the tissue and lymph nodes of the mental, submandibular and lateral triangles of the neck are removed. The boundaries of excision are the midline of the neck, the clavicle, the anterior edge of the trapezius muscle, and the lower edge of the mandible. The fiber is removed along with the sternocleidomastoid muscle, internal jugular vein, accessory nerve, submandibular and lower pole of the parotid salivary gland. Fascial-sheath removal of neck tissue is performed for enlarged lymph nodes that are suspicious for metastatic lesions, as well as for single metastases that are not fused with adjacent anatomical formations. The principal feature of fascial-case lymphadenectomy is the preservation of the internal jugular vein, sternocleidomastoid muscle and accessory nerve.

The prognosis depends on the degree of infiltration and the presence of regional metastases. The five-year survival rate for stage I-II cancer is 50-70% and stage III-IV cancer is 15-30%. Local-regional relapses in tongue cancer lead to death in 60-70% of cases. The mortality rate from distant metastases is 15%, from primary multiple tumors - 20-40%.

Cancer of the mucous membrane of the floor of the mouth

Clinic . The clinical course of tumors of the floor of the mouth is characterized by early spread of the process to surrounding tissues (gums, periosteum of the lower jaw). In turn, the tissues of the floor of the oral cavity are infiltrated secondarily by malignant tumors of the tongue, gums, lower jaw, and submandibular salivary glands, which must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis. Tumor involvement in the lower jaw can be determined by palpation - fixation of the tumor to the lower jaw is one of the signs of involvement of the periosteum or bone growth in the process. The immobility of the tongue indicates deep invasion of the tumor.

The first lymphatic barrier to cancer of the mucous membrane of the floor of the mouth is the submandibular and jugular-digastric lymph nodes (level I and II). The submental lymph nodes are rarely affected. Clinically recognizable metastases in regional lymph nodes occur in 30-40% of patients, in 20% of cases hidden metastases are observed. Distant metastases occur in 10-15% of patients.

Treatment of small tumors (T1) can generally be carried out by transoral resection with a margin of 2 cm from the macroscopically defined tumor edges, cryodestruction or radiation therapy. A number of foreign clinics are currently studying the possibilities of electrochemotherapeutic and electrochemical treatment. For exophytic tumors of the mucous membrane of the floor of the mouth with an infiltration depth of no more than 3-4 mm, the method of choice is application radiation therapy. Interstitial radiation therapy as an independent method can be used in the treatment of clearly demarcated tumors (T1-2) with an infiltration depth of 2.5-3 cm (SD 60-70 Gy). In other cases, preference is given to combined radiation therapy with external gamma therapy at the first stage at a dose of 30-40 Gy (T1-2) or 40-50 Gy (T3). If tumor regression is less than 50%, treatment is completed with surgery. Treatment of radiosensitive tumors is completed with interstitial radiation therapy at a total focal dose of 30-50 Gy. For medium-sized tumors (T2) of the anterior part of the floor of the mouth and deeply invasive neoplasms, bilateral irradiation of the first lymphatic barrier is mandatory. Contraindications to combined radiation therapy are the involvement of bone, large vessels, trismus in the tumor process, the presence of regional metastases, and the inaccessibility of the tumor for the introduction of sources.

Treatment of tumors corresponding to T3-4 local spread is combined: resection in combination with pre- or postoperative irradiation (40-50 Gy). For locally advanced tumors of the mucous membrane of the floor of the mouth, combined and extended operations are performed. In this case, the external carotid artery is first ligated and a temporary tracheostomy is applied for 1-2 weeks. The volume of excised tissue is determined by the extent of the tumor process. The most typical operations are:

1.resection of the floor of the mouth with simultaneous resection of a third or half of the tongue in a single block; 2.resection of the floor of the mouth with simultaneous marginal resection of the alveolar edge of the lower jaw or resection of the inner part of the lower jaw, to which the tumor adjoins; 3.resection of the floor of the mouth with simultaneous through resection of the lower jaw; 4. similar operations with simultaneous excision of the cervical tissue in a single block. Large postoperative soft tissue defects are eliminated with skin autografts, local flaps, and regional musculocutaneous flaps on a pedicle. In some cases, transplantation of complex tissue complexes (musculocutaneous, musculoskeletal, etc.) using microsurgical techniques is required. For through resections of the lower jaw, primary or delayed bone grafting or endoprosthesis replacement with titanium structures is indicated. If the continuity of the lower jaw is not restored simultaneously with the removal of the tumor, it is necessary to fix the bone fragments with special splints.

For stage I-II cancer, if there are no clinically detectable metastases and it is possible to regularly examine the patient, you can refrain from prophylactic regional lymphadenectomy. In common forms of the disease (stages III-IV), preventive irradiation of regional lymph nodes is indicated, which is carried out simultaneously with irradiation of the primary lesion, or bilateral cervical lymph node dissection. Fascial-sheath lymphadenectomy is performed 3-4 weeks after completion of treatment of the primary lesion. The treatment tactics for established regional metastases are similar to those for tongue cancer.

Drug treatment for cancer of the oral mucosa is used as neoadjuvant chemotherapy or for palliative purposes as part of chemoradiotherapy. The following combinations of drugs can be used:

1.cisplatin - 100 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1, fluorouracil - 1000 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1-4 with cycles every 3-4 weeks; 2. methotrexate - 40 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1 and 15, bleomycin - 10 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1, 8 and 15, cisplatin - 50 mg/m2 intravenously on day 4, with cycles every 3-4 weeks. If chemotherapy is insufficiently effective, monotherapy with taxanes or polychemotherapy using taxanes can be performed (taking into account cross-resistance to previously used drugs).

Treatment results depend on the size of the primary tumor, the presence of regional metastases, the degree of damage to the lower jaw and the radicality of the operation. According to summary literature data, the five-year survival rate for localized stage I-II tumors of the floor of the mouth is 60-80%. If the tumor crosses the midline of the fundus or spreads to the tongue and lower jaw, the five-year survival rate is within 50-60%, for tumors of stages III-IV - less than 50%. The presence of regional metastases reduces its rates to 25%.

Cancer of the mucous membrane of the gums and cheeks

Gum tumors are most often (80%) localized in the lower gum area behind the small molars. Exophytic neoplasms are more often papillary or verrucous and in the initial period of development may be similar to benign hyperkeratosis. Regional metastasis is observed in 15-30% of cases with cancer of the gum mucosa, and is less common with tumors of the cheeks. Latent metastases are detected in 10-20% of patients.

Treatment. Small superficial gum tumors can be treated with surgery or radiation therapy. When bone is involved in the process and large tumors (T3-4), combined treatment is performed (external gamma therapy + surgery). The volume of irradiated tissue includes the primary lesion and cervical lymph nodes on the affected side. Preventive irradiation of the lymph nodes of the neck is limited to the level of the first regional barrier. 2-3 weeks after completion of radiation therapy, segmental resection of the upper or lower jaw is performed. If there are metastases in the lymph nodes, cervical lymph node dissection on the affected side is performed simultaneously with excision of the primary tumor.

The spread of the tumor to the mucous membrane of the cheek and floor of the mouth is an indication for combined operations. A prerequisite for extended operations when the tumor is localized on the alveolar process of the lower jaw is the removal of the contents of the submandibular triangle on one side in a single block with the primary lesion, in case of damage to the anterior parts of the alveolar part of the lower jaw - the mental triangle, in case of tumor spread to the anterior parts of the floor of the oral cavity - submandibular triangles on both sides.

Malignant neoplasms of the cheek of stages I-II can be cured by surgery or combined radiation therapy. At the first stage, external beam radiation therapy is performed to reduce the biological activity of the tumor and reduce its volume; at the second stage, contact or interstitial radiation therapy is performed. For superficial tumors, contact radiation therapy can be used as an independent treatment method. In other cases, treatment is combined. Surgery is performed 2-3 weeks after completion of preoperative radiation therapy. Surgical access is carried out by crossing the lower lip along the midline with the continuation of the incision into the submandibular region. The block of tissue removed includes the tumor with surrounding tissues, a fragment of the lower jaw and masticatory muscles (if they are involved in the tumor process), and the contents of the submandibular triangle. Tumor growth into the mandibular canal is an indication for removal of half of the lower jaw. The resulting defect in the mucous membrane, skin and bone is eliminated by one of the types of plastic surgery. Cervical lymph node dissection is performed in the presence of clinically detectable regional metastases. Preventive irradiation of the regional lymphatic system is not carried out.

Forecast. Survival rates for tumors of the gums and cheeks depend on the size of the tumor, bone damage, and the presence of regional metastases. The average five-year survival rate of patients with gum tumors ranges from 78% (for stage I) to 15% (for stage IV). The results of combined treatment when bone is involved are significantly better than with radiation therapy.

According to summary data, the five-year survival rate for stage I-II cheek cancer is 65-74%, stage III-IV varies from 20 to 30%.

Cancer of the mucous membrane of the retromolar triangle

Tumors arising in the retromolar triangle are rarely limited to the gingival mucosa; the process may involve the nearby mucous membrane of the cheek, the anterior palatine arches, the floor of the mouth, and the back of the gums. A tumor of the retromolar triangle that extends to the anterior palatal arches may appear more similar in appearance to nasopharyngeal cancer.

The risk of clinically positive and latent metastases in the lymph nodes with these tumors is significantly higher than with gum tumors of other locations.

Treatment of superficial tumors, including those spreading to the soft palate and buccal mucosa, is radiation. If the periosteum is damaged, a partial (marginal) resection of the lower jaw is performed, even with small tumors. Moderately advanced and infiltrative tumors are treated in combination. At the first stage, surgical intervention is performed (resection of the lower jaw and cervical lymph node dissection), then external beam radiation therapy is performed. For locally advanced processes, treatment begins with preoperative radiation therapy, which in some cases allows the tumor to be transferred to a resectable state.

Cancer of the mucous membrane of the hard palate

On the hard palate, malignant tumors from the minor salivary glands (adenocystic carcinoma, adenocarcinoma) often develop. Adenocarcinomas tend to grow encapsulated for a long time. Rarely developing, squamous cell carcinoma tends to ulcerate quickly.

Treatment. The method of choice for treating squamous cell carcinoma without damage to the periosteum is intracavitary contact therapy (if it is technically possible to bring the stomastat to the lesion). In other cases, treatment is combined. At the first stage, preoperative radiation therapy is carried out, electrosurgical removal of the tumor is performed, retreating from the visible lesion of the mucous membrane by 3-4 cm. Postoperative defects are covered with obturating prostheses or eliminated using plastic surgery.

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Treatment and removal of teeth in cancer patients

In cancer patients, during the treatment of the underlying disease, favorable conditions are created in the oral cavity for the proliferation of pathological microorganisms. Irradiation inhibits cell growth, including in the oral cavity.

The task of a dentist in the treatment of teeth and oncology

the patient is not to harm him. Despite the fact that the body is weakened by a serious illness and no less severe therapy, caries must be treated so that it does not turn into pulpitis. Due to weakened immunity in cancer patients, inflammation progresses rapidly if left untreated. When treating teeth, it is important that the doctor knows the number of leukocytes, blood coagulation status, uses low-traumatic techniques, and coordinates the procedure with the oncologist.

What symptoms should you consult a doctor for?

Don’t waste time and rush to the dentist if:

• the cheek is very swollen and the tumor is growing, although more than two days have passed since the tooth was removed;
• there is intense throbbing pain that only gets worse;
• the temperature has risen above 38 degrees and does not subside for more than 1–2 days;
• it hurts when swallowing, pain in the cheek intensifies when the jaw moves;
• general health worsens;

The doctor will thoroughly clean the hole and treat the wound surface with an antiseptic solution. Repeat surgery and antibiotic therapy may be required. After treatment, the swelling will subside, the cheek and gums will become normal size.

Chemotherapy and tooth extraction

Teeth that cannot be restored are subject to removal. Although patients receiving chemotherapy have a weakened immune system, the consequences of refusing to remove an inflammatory tooth are much more serious than the side effects of anticancer therapy. It is advisable to remove teeth before starting chemotherapy.

in dental treatment

is taken into account, the doctor takes into account the patient’s condition when choosing an intervention technique. Treatment by a dentist during chemotherapy is not advisable, but if there is an emergency and the patient is already taking chemotherapy, the intervention of a doctor will avoid big problems. Removal should be done as atraumatically as possible.

Dental problems and dental treatment for oncology

After chemotherapy, many are faced with the fact that they develop caries, gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontal disease, cysts begin to form, gums become more sensitive and bleed.

This condition creates additional difficulties for the dentist, but does not mean that you need to refuse dental treatment, cancer

not prevent. It is important to tell your dentist about your diagnosis and that you are currently undergoing treatment for cancer. This will allow him to choose the most gentle methods for solving dental problems.

You need to know that when treating teeth, oncology

does not progress and the disease itself is not a contraindication to dental intervention. Dental treatment will remove the source of infection, prevent its further spread, and defeat cancer.