FACTORS AFFECTING CHOICE OF INITIAL THERAPY IN ORAL-CANCER

Choosing the best initial therapy for squamous carcinoma of the oral c avity depends on patient factors as well as tumor factors. The patient factors which influence the decision include the dental and nutrition al status, associated diseases, use of alcohol and tobacco, distance f rom the hospital, and the reliability, lifestyle, occupation, and choi ce of the patient. The important tumor factors include size, site, his tology, biologic behavior, and type of biopsy. With experience and jud gment the treatment team (surgeons, radiotherapists, dentists, and med ical oncologists) can use these patient and tumor factors to tailor th e therapy to each individual so that not only is the cancer optimally treated, but important aspects of function and cosmesis are preserved. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.