How do you approach a patient with locally advanced head and neck cancer requiring chemoradiation that needs extensive dental work from an oral surgeon, but because of insurance and social issues cannot feasibly get the teeth removed?

Topics: Head and Neck Cancers • Radiation Oncology

Do you still treat with definitive radiation and counsel about the risk of osteoradionecrosis? Or consider a palliative approach?

Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution

Treat them. Teeth won’t kill them, the cancer will.

Related Questions