If you’ve had treatment to remove oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer, you may wonder what comes next. While having oral surgery or other treatments to combat the disease can bring relief, you might still have concerns about the future. Understanding what to expect after you’ve had treatment can help put your mind at ease.

What Types of Changes Occur After Treatment?

Many types of cancer treatment produce side effects. Your doctor will oversee your care closely to watch for changes that may need to be addressed. Certain types of oral surgery and radiation can affect the thyroid, for example. If needed, your doctor may prescribe hormone medication to treat any thyroid changes.

After radiation or oral surgery to remove cancer, you might also experience changes in taste, loss of teeth, or dry mouth. These effects may make it challenging to eat and could require you to adjust your diet. For certain patients, speech and swallowing therapy may be recommended to reestablish daily activities. Lifestyle adjustments can also help facilitate ease and comfort as you heal, such as using different ways to prepare foods.

What Does a Follow-Up Care Plan Typically Entail?

In addition to managing side effects, your doctor will help you develop a comprehensive post-cancer care plan. This could include more frequent visits with your dentist and primary care provider for close monitoring,  additional screenings, as well as diet and physical activity recommendations. Because recurrences tend to develop within the first couple of years after treatment, you will likely be monitored at more frequent intervals during this time frame, then less often afterward.

While it may take a while to begin feeling like yourself again, most people who have had oral cancer see improvements in mood within the first year following treatment. For people who make healthy lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and drinking, quality of life can improve even quicker.

If you have oral cancer and you’re seeking a caring, trusted practice to provide treatment, look no further than Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska. Serving Anchorage, their board-certified surgeons offer extensive training and experience to provide a full range of services, including oral pathology and cosmetic dental care. Learn more about their approach to treating oral cancer online, or call (907) 561-1430 to schedule an appointment.