Rehabilitation in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Lateral Border of the Tongue - A Case Report

Abstract

Oral cancer is the world's sixth most prevalent cancer, with oral squamous cell carcinoma accounting for the vast majority of occurrences (OSCC). The most prevalent intraoral head and neck cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue. It is the second most common cancer in India, after SCC of the lip and oral cavity, with a male incidence of 13.9 per cent compared to 4.3 per cent in females. SCC of the tongue is quite uncommon until the age of 60. The use of smoking and smokeless cigarettes, areca nut use, and alcohol consumption are the main risk factors for oral SCC. A patient experienced the loss of motion, spasms, weakness, and function following tongue cancer surgery. Buccal mucosa SCC is a malignant tumour of the oral cavity that is aggressive. It's associated with a high rate of regional recurrence, with the inner cheek lining, lateral border of the tongue, oropharynx, mouth floor, and lips being the most commonly affected areas. The most common postoperative oral problems that occur after radiation and chemotherapy are mucositis, infection, pain, bleeding, difficulty swallowing, injury to the glands that produce saliva (xerostomia) or damage to the muscles and joints of the jaw and neck (trismus), loosening of teeth, difficulty wearing dentures, painful swallowing (odynophagia), speech impairment (dysarthria), and development of a neck mass as a sign of lymph node metastasis. Conclusion: Following carcinoma of the lateral border of the tongue, physical therapy included exercises, spasm reduction, Kinesio taping, manual therapy, and patient education. Key words: Squamous cell carcinoma, Glossectomy, Tongue, Physiotherapy Rehabilitation.