A Case of Tongue Cancer Successfully Treated by Oral Functional Management with Close Cooperation of Multidisciplinary Care Teams

Abstract

Surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy are treatment options for oral cancer, but they have certain side effects, such as mucositis and decreased oral function. A case of a patient with tongue cancer who underwent oral function management by multidisciplinary care teams is reported. The patient was a 68-year-old man who had undergone surgery and chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Oral functional management was started from the early stage of hospitalization, with repeated discussion with multidisciplinary care teams to support the patient’s deglutition function and nutrition. By the sharing of information between teams and continued specialized support, the patient was able to maintain oral function until his discharge.