It is a medical issue caused by radiation so head and neck cancer patients form a special group of dental patients. Here in NZ patients who had their own dentition during treatment are NOT funded for the dental surveillance they need for the rest of their lives. This is a big issue with head and neck groups around the country. In a way I'm "lucky" because I'm getting free treatment on account of major issues. If I survive the hospital might fling me out to take my chances with my local dentist. This problem is a "survivorship" issue. People damn well survive. How does the medical system deal with this long term survivorship? The specialist nurse at my hospital said there is some good material at MD Anderson in relation to future survivorship problems.


1996, ovarian cancer surgery + cisplatin and taxol.
September, 2007, SCC of left lateral tongue. Excision.
October, 2009 recurrence in scar tissue, T1NOMO. Free flap surgery from left wrist - neck dissection. 63 year old New Zealander. No chemo, no RT.
February, 2014. New primary in left buccal mucosa. Marginal mandibulectomy, neck dissection, right arm free forearm flap. T1N0M0 but third occurrence and some areas of concern: RT started 8 April and finished 19 May.