Oral Cancer (cont.)
Nutrition
Eating
well during cancer treatment means getting enough
calories and protein to prevent weight loss, regain strength, and rebuild healthy tissues. But eating
well may be difficult after treatment for oral cancer. Some people with cancer
find it hard to eat because they lose their appetite. They may not feel like
eating because they are uncomfortable or tired. A dry or sore mouth or changes
in smell and taste also may make eating difficult.
If your mouth is dry, you may find that soft foods moistened with
sauces or gravies are easier to eat. Thick soups, puddings, and
milkshakes often are easier to swallow. Nurses and dietitians can help
you choose the right foods. Also, the National Cancer Institute booklet
Eating Hints for Cancer Patients contains many useful ideas and recipes.
The "National Cancer Institute Information Resources" section tells how
to get this publication.
After surgery or radiation therapy for oral cancer, some
people need a feeding tube. A feeding tube is a flexible plastic tube that is
passed into the stomach through an incision in the abdomen. In almost all cases, the tube is
temporary. Most people gradually return to a regular diet.
To protect your mouth during cancer treatment, it helps to avoid:
- Sharp, crunchy foods like taco chips
- Foods that are hot, spicy, or high in acid like
citrus fruits and juices
- Sugary foods that can cause cavities
- Alcoholic drinks
Reconstruction
Some people with oral cancer may need to have plastic or reconstructive
surgery to rebuild the bones or tissues of the mouth. Research has led to
many advances in the way bones and tissues can be replaced.
Some people may need dental implants. Or they may need
to have grafts (tissue moved from another part of the body). Skin, muscle, and
bone can be moved to the oral cavity from the chest, arm, or leg. The plastic
surgeon
uses this tissue for repair.
If you are thinking about reconstruction, you may wish to consult with a
plastic or reconstructive surgeon before your treatment begins. You can have
reconstructive surgery at the same time as you have the cancer removed, or
you can have it later on. Talk with your doctor about which approach is
right for you.
Rehabilitation
The health care team will help you
return to normal activities as soon as possible. The goals of rehabilitation
depend on the extent of the disease and type of treatment. Rehabilitation may
include being fitted with a dental prosthesis (an artificial dental device) and
having dental implants. It also may involve speech therapy, dietary counseling, or other services.
Sometimes surgery to rebuild the bones or tissues of the mouth is not
possible. A dentist with special training (a prosthodontist) may be able to
make you a prosthesis to help you eat and talk normally. You may need
special training to learn to use it.
If oral cancer or its treatment leads to problems with talking, speech
therapy will generally begin as soon as possible. A speech therapist may see
you in the hospital to plan therapy and teach speech exercises. Often speech
therapy continues after you return home.
Next: What happens after treatment for oral cancer? »
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