Factors affecting choice of initial therapy in oral cancer.

Choosing the best initial therapy for squamous carcinoma of the oral cavity depends on patient factors as well as tumor factors. The patient factors which influence the decision include the dental and nutritional status, associated diseases, use of alcohol and tobacco, distance from the hospital, and the reliability, lifestyle, occupation, and choice of the patient. The important tumor factors include size, site, histology, biologic behavior, and type of biopsy. With experience and judgment the treatment team (surgeons, radiotherapists, dentists, and medical oncologists) can use these patient and tumor factors to tailor the therapy to each individual so that not only is the cancer optimally treated, but important aspects of function and cosmesis are preserved.