Follow-up Care
Follow-up care after treatment for oral cancer is important. Even when the
cancer seems to have been completely removed or destroyed, the disease
sometimes returns because undetected cancer cells remained in the body after
treatment. The doctor monitors your recovery and checks for recurrence of
cancer. Checkups help ensure that any changes in your health are noted. Your
doctor will probably encourage you to inspect your mouth regularly and continue
to have exams when you visit your dentist. It is important to report any
changes in your mouth right away.
Checkups include exams of the mouth, throat, and neck. From time to time, your
doctor may do a complete physical exam, order blood tests, and take x-rays.
People who have had oral cancer have a chance of developing a new cancer in the
mouth, throat, or other areas of the head and neck. This is especially true for
those who use tobacco or who drink alcohol heavily. Doctors strongly urge their
patients to stop using tobacco and drinking to cut down the risk of a new
cancer and other health problems.
The NCI has prepared a booklet for people who have completed their treatment to
help answer questions about follow-up care and other concerns.
Facing Forward Series: Life After Cancer Treatment
provides tips for making the best use of
medical visits. It describes how to talk to your health care team about
creating a plan of action for recovery and future health.
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