Functional analysis of treatment of oral cavity cancer.

There are few studies that have addressed themselves to measuring the speech, swallowing results, and quality of life that patients are left with after the treatment of oral cavity cancer. We developed a test series to assess the oral cavity function and the general health of patients treated for oral cavity cancer. The results of 51 patients treated for oral cavity cancer were compared by site and stage of the lesion as well as by treatment modality. In addition, the functional results achieved by different reconstructive techniques in the oral cavity were evaluated. The series also identified site-specific speech and swallowing problems.