Important topic: the structure of the human oral cavity

Uncontrolled use of potent drugs and antibiotics;
Weakened immunity;
Presence of AIDS, HIV;
Inflammatory processes in the oral cavity;
Damage to internal organs and systems;
Poor nutrition;
Alcoholism, smoking, drug addiction;
Infectious diseases;
Dehydration of the body;
Avitaminosis;
Hormonal imbalance;
Hereditary predisposition.

Gums and teeth

Everyone knows that teeth are the main characters in the process of chewing and grinding food. According to their roles, teeth in a person’s mouth are divided into types:

Incisors – the front 4 teeth, play the role of biting off the largest pieces.
Fangs - their role is to break food and separate it into pieces; they are also called “eye teeth”.
Small and large molars play the role of chewing and grinding food.

People eat food of different origins, both plant and animal. On this basis, it was concluded that people are omnivorous creatures.

This is possible due to the arrangement of the teeth and the structure of the oral cavity, which makes humans fundamentally different from animals.

All teeth have the same structure: a soft core, dentin. The core consists of blood vessels and nerves, and the hard substance (bone) is dentin. The main function of this substance is to protect teeth from microdamage. To do this, it is “painted” with enamel, which feels absolutely nothing. In addition, enamel has no equal in strength in the human body. It consists of an alloy of minerals (phosphorus and calcium salts) saturated with organic substances. The highest concentration of calcium is observed in dentin, where nerve fibers are contained.

Text of the book “Topographic anatomy and operative surgery for dentists”

Mucous membrane

The soft palate is innervated by the lesser palatine nerve (n. palatinini minores).

Submucosal layer

thin.

The muscular basis of the soft palate is:

• uvula muscle (m. uvulae);

• palatoglossus muscle (m. palatoglossus);

• velopharyngeal muscle (m. palatopharyngeus);

• muscle that lifts the velum palatine (m. levator veli palatinae).

The soft palate is supplied with blood by the small palatine artery, which runs from the greater palatine canal posteriorly. Additionally, vessels from the ascending palatine artery (a. palatinae ascendes), which is a branch of the facial artery, approach the soft palate.

The ascending pharyngeal artery (a. pharyngea ascendens), which extends from the external carotid artery, also participates in the blood supply to the soft palate.

Floor of the mouth

Stratigraphy

Layers of the floor of the mouth:

• mucous membrane;

• lingual glands with adjacent vessels, nerves and layers of fiber;

• muscles of the oral diaphragm (Fig. 137).

Rice. 137. Contours of the mucous membrane of the floor of the mouth and tongue (after: Zolotko Yu. L., 1964). 1 – apex linguae; 2 – facies inferior; 3 – v. lingualis; 4 – frenulum linguae; 5 – plica sublingualis; 6 – tunica mucosa oris; 7 – caruncula sublingualis; 8 – gingiva; 9 – vestibulum oris; 10 – frenulum labii inferioris; 11 – dentes incisivi; 12 – dens caninus; 13 – dentes premolares; 14 – cavum oris proprium; 15 – dentes molares; 16 – dens serotinus.

Under the mucous membrane

in the fiber on the mylohyoid muscle (mm. mylohyoideus) there are lingual glands.

The following elements are adjacent to them:

• outside – lower jaw with m. mylohyoideus;

• on the medial side – mm. genioglossus et mylohyoideus;

• posteriorly – submandibular gland;

• the submandibular duct passes along the medial edge of the sublingual gland complex;

• in turn, the lingual artery passes medially and posterior to the duct;

• the lingual nerve approaches the excretory duct, located further in the sublingual tissue before immersing into the thickness of the organ.

The floor of the mouth is formed by the following muscles:

• mylohyoid muscles (mm. mylohyoidea), which make up the diaphragm of the mouth. The mylohyoid muscles, moving from the hyoid bone to the mylohyoid line of the body of the lower jaw and intertwining with each other, form a median suture along the midline. Between the bundles of mylohyoid muscles there are gaps in which anastomoses are located between the mental and lingual arteries. In addition, through these gaps, inflammatory processes can spread from the sublingual tissue into the submandibular region and retention cysts of the sublingual gland (“diving” cysts) can move;

•mm. geniohyoidei (geniohyoid muscles), adjacent to the mylohyoid muscles on the side of the mouth;

•mm. genioglossi, located above mm. geniohyoidei;

•mm. digastrici, approaching the mylohyoid muscles from the side of the neck.

Cellular spaces above the oral diaphragm

1. Two lateral spaces, which are the bed for the lingual glands, are limited:

• above – the oral mucosa between the tongue and gums;

• below – m. mylohyoideus;

• inside – by the muscles of the tongue;

• externally – by the lower jaw.

2. Paired intermuscular gaps are located between m. genioglossus and m. geniohyoideus.

3. The unpaired space is located between the genioglossus muscles.

With phlegmon of the floor of the mouth, the spread of the purulent process is most likely in the following directions:

1) in the peripharyngeal space - mediastinum;

2) into the retromaxillary space;

3) in the sheath of the neurovascular bundle of the medial triangle of the neck - the mediastinum.

Language

The tongue has two sections, delimited by a V-shaped shaft:

1. Anterior (apex and body), located in the oral cavity.

2. Posterior (root), located in the pharynx area.

Relief

The mucous membrane of the upper surface of the tongue at the root, moving to the epiglottis, forms three folds:

• middle lingual-laryngeal (median);

• two lateral lingual-laryngeal (borderline).

Between these folds a depression is formed in which foreign bodies are usually retained.

The mucous membrane of the lower surface of the tongue is clearly visible when the mouth is open and the tip of the tongue is raised. Fringed folds of the mucous membrane (plica fimbriata) diverge at an acute angle from the midline.

Along the folds, the ducts of the anterior glands of the tongue open. With the tongue raised and retracted posteriorly along the midline, the sublingual fold (frenulum) - frenulum lingua, stretched between the tongue and the lower jaw, is also clearly visible.

• The frenulum must be cut to restore full tongue movement.

From the sides of the midline, along the lower surface of the tongue, a neurovascular bundle stretches (v. lingualis, n, lingualis, a. profunda lingue, and behind also n. hipoglossus) (Fig. 138).

Rice. 138. Muscles, vessels and nerves of the tongue, floor of the mouth and lower lip (after: Zolotko Yu.L., 1964). 1 – v. lingualis; 2 – fiber located between the genioglossus muscles, – 3 – m. longitudinalis inferior, 4 – m. genioglossus, 5 – n. lingualis,6 – v. lingualis,7 – ductus submandibularis,8 – ductus sublinguales minores,9 – glandula sublingualis,10 – n. mentalis(rami labiales inferiores),11 – a. labialis inferior,12 – glandulae labiales,13 – m. orbicularis oris,14 – m. mentalis,15 – m. buccinator, 16 – v. facialis.

Stratigraphy

The tongue has two layers:

• mucous membrane;

• muscles.

The intrinsic muscles of the tongue, located in layers within the organ in the direction from top to bottom, include:

• the superior longitudinal muscle (m. longitudinalis superior) shortens the tongue;

• the lower longitudinal muscle (m. longitudinalis inferior) shortens the tongue;

• transverse muscle (m. transversus linguae) reduces the diameter of the tongue;

• the vertical muscle of the tongue (m. verticalis linguae) flattens the tongue.

Additional muscles of the tongue include:

• hyoglossus muscle (m. hyoglossus), which has an attachment point outside the tongue on the greater horn and body of the hyoid bone. When this muscle contracts, the tongue lengthens, as well as it moves backwards and downwards;

• the genioglossus muscle (m. genioglossus) outside the tongue fans out from the chin. When the muscle contracts, the tongue flattens and moves anteriorly;

• styloglossus muscle (m. styloglossus) is directed to the tongue from the styloid process (retracts the tongue posteriorly and upward).

Damage to the tongue is accompanied by severe bleeding and deformation of the organ.

Suturing a tongue wound

Conditions for suturing a tongue wound:

1. Gentle treatment of the wound edges.

• Incised wounds of the tongue can be sutured without excision of their edges.

2. No bleeding (if it is impossible to stop bleeding in the wound, ligation of the lingual or external carotid artery should be performed without delay).

3. Separate suturing of the tongue wound and the defect of the mucous membrane of the floor of the mouth to prevent the development of a single rough scar.

4. Use of absorbable suture material.

5. Use of round needles.

Requirements for sutures on a tongue wound:

1. Ensuring longitudinal orientation of the wound. Applying sutures to a wound of the tongue oriented in the transverse direction will lead to the development of permanent deformation and disruption of the function of this organ.

2. Strict adaptation of the entire thickness of the wound edges.

3. Reliable hemostasis.

4. A small “step” of the seam (up to 1–1.5 cm) (Fig. 139).

Rice. 139. Suturing a tongue wound: 1 – correct orientation of the tongue wound during suturing; 2 – incorrect orientation of the tongue wound during suturing (according to: Semenov G.M., Petrishin V.L., Kovshova M.V., 2001).

Zev

The pharynx is limited by the following elements:

• palatine arches – palatoglossus and velopharyngeal (arcus palatoglossus et palatopharyngeus);

• soft palate;

• root of the tongue.

The basis of the palatoglossus and velopharyngeal arches, which determines the shape and degree of severity, are muscles. In the palatoglossal arch there passes m. palatoglossus, in the velopharyngeal arch – m. palatopharyngeus. Between the arches, tonsil dimples are formed containing the palatine tonsils.

The bottom of this niche (m. constrictor pharyngeus superior, covered with pharyngeal fascia) is also the lateral wall of the pharynx.

The inner surface of the tonsils faces the pharynx and is accessible for inspection, and the outer surface is fixed by connective tissue bridges to the bottom of the niche.

During all manipulations near the tonsils, it should be remembered that their lower pole is 1–1.7 cm from the internal carotid artery (Fig. 140).

Rice. 140. Pharynx: 1 – palatoglossal arch; 2 – velopharyngeal arch; 3 – palatine tonsil (according to: Frauchi V. X. 1967).

Outer wall of the mouth

The mucous membrane of the vestibule of the oral cavity is adjacent to the buccal muscle. On the mucous membrane opposite the 1–2 upper molars there is a small elevation corresponding to the mouth of the parotid gland duct.

The concept of radical uranoplasty according to Limberg

Purpose of the operation:

1. Elimination of the cleft of the hard palate to separate the oral cavity from the nasal cavity.

2. Narrowing of the middle section of the pharyngeal ring for the normal functioning of the soft palate (speech development).

The operation consists of three main stages:

1. Retrotransposition (posterior displacement of mucoperiosteal flaps of the hard palate).

Sequencing:

• along the edges of the defect, a strip of the mucous membrane of the hard palate 3–4 mm wide is excised to the anterior edge of the defect;

• from the level of the distal edge of the first or second molar on the right and left sides, incisions are made in the mucous membrane and periosteum along the inner surface of the alveolar process of the upper jaw, at a distance of 2–3 mm from the gingival margin. The incisions end at the level of the canine socket or lateral incisor;

• in front, a medial incision is connected, refreshing the edges of the cleft, and lateral incisions along the gingival margin with oblique incisions located along the edges of the incisive foramen;

• using a Farabeuf rasp (straight and curved), tongue-shaped mucoperiosteal flaps are carefully peeled off from front to back to the level of the posterior edge of the hard palate and the anterior edges of the greater palatine foramina;

• install the blade of a narrow chisel or osteotome on the medial side of the neurovascular bundles emerging from the greater palatine canals, and perform resection of the posteromedial edge of the greater palatine foramina. The transformation of the large palatine foramina into half rings promotes the displacement of mucoperiosteal flaps of the hard palate posteriorly and medially due to the mobilization of neurovascular bundles, lowering the soft palate and narrowing the entrance to the pharynx.

2. Mesopharyngoconstriction (narrowing of the middle part of the pharyngeal ring).

To narrow the oropharynx, perform the following steps:

• lateral incisions of the mucous membrane and periosteum of the hard palate continue posteriorly to the last tooth;

• the tissue of the peripharyngeal space is pushed apart in a blunt manner until the anterior internal edge of the medial pterygoid muscle is visualized;

• shift the lateral walls medially on both sides.

To reduce the tension of the muscles of the soft palate, starting from the inner plate of the pterygoid process (mm. tensor veli palatini, constrictor pharyngeu superior), an interlaminar osteotomy is performed:

1. A chisel or osteotome is inserted into the oral cavity in the transverse direction. The blade of a narrow straight chisel or osteotome is placed directly outside the greater palatine foramen, and its handle is placed above the small molars of the opposite side.

2. Using weak hammer blows, a notch is made in the cortical plate of the inner surface of the alveolar process.

3. Pressing the chisel blade directly into the bone, move its handle in the medial direction, placing it above the central incisors. Having felt the hook of the pterygoid process (hamulus pterygoideus) through the soft tissue, direct the chisel blade outward from it through the pterygoid notch in the direction of the pterygoid fossa. Inserting a wide straight rasp into the resulting gap instead of a chisel, using lever-like movements, successively break the inner plate of the pterygoid process on one side and the other. By moving the attachment points mm. tensor veli palatini et constrictor pharyngeu superior in the medial direction the entrance to the pharynx narrows.

4. Fissurorrhaphy (closure of the hard palate defect by suturing the medial edges of the mucoperiosteal flaps).

1) Using thin absorbable material, sutures are placed on the soft palate.

2) The medial edges of the mucoperiosteal flaps of the hard palate are connected along the midline with interrupted or U-shaped sutures using absorbable material.

Until complete healing and epithelization of the central and lateral wounds, the surface of the hard palate is covered with a protective plate (Fig. 141).

Rice. 141. The main stages of radical uranoplasty: 1 – refreshing the edges of the wound; 2 – interlaminar osteotomy; 3 – fissurorrhaphy (according to: Frauchi V. X., 1967).

Opening of phlegmon of the floor of the mouth

Drainage of the cellular space between mm. genioglossus and hyoglossus and the lower jaw, reaching above the mucous membrane, and below to m. mylohyoideus, can be performed intraorally:

• dissection of the mucous membrane is carried out within the anterior teeth near the surface of the lower jaw, avoiding damage to the hypoglossal nerve and lingual vessels;

• penetrate under the mucous membrane using a blunt method.

Opening of abscesses and phlegmons of the tongue

Superficial abscesses of the tongue are opened with small longitudinal incisions on the dorsal or lateral surface, depending on the location.

Opening of an abscess of the hard palate

To avoid damage to the greater palatine artery and incisive artery, the mucosal incision is made near the alveolar edge, followed by peeling of the mucous membrane.

Opening the abscess of the maxillo-lingual groove

The incision is made in the area of the second and third molars between the lateral surface of the tongue root and the inner surface of the body of the lower jaw, avoiding damage to the lingual nerve and blood vessels. By dissecting the mucous membrane and submucosal layer between the midline of the groove close to the inner surface of the body of the lower jaw, then they penetrate into the depths of the purulent focus using a blunt method.

12.2.5. Chin area

Borders:

The chin area is limited:

• from above: chin-labial groove;

• below: the lower edge of the body of the lower jaw;

• on the sides: nasolabial folds.

Relief:

The relief of the area is determined by the peculiarities of the shape of the chin, which in some cases requires surgical correction (Fig. 142).

Rice. 142. Different shapes of the chin: 1 – heavy (massive) chin; 2 – finely outlined (smoothed) (according to: Kirpatovsky I.D., Bocharov V.Ya., 1974).

Microgenia

Microgenia is a congenital or acquired (unilateral or bilateral) underdevelopment of the lower jaw. In a bilateral process, as a result of the posterior displacement of the chin, the so-called “bird face” is formed. To correct microgenia, it is necessary not only to surgically lengthen the lower jaw, but also to correct secondary deformation of the upper jaw (retraction of the alveolar process and dentition with fan-shaped protrusion of the anterior teeth).

For treatment, two groups of surgical interventions are used:

1. Surgical interventions on soft tissues to change the external contours of the face.

2. Surgical interventions on the lower jaw to lengthen it.

The first group of operations is designed only to achieve a cosmetic effect through contouring of the soft tissues of the face:

• autocartilage;

• allocartilage;

• plastic (fluoroplastic, silicone).

Methods for surgical lengthening of the lower jaw are divided into the following groups:

1. Plastic (horizontal, step-like, oblique, arcuate) osteotomy.

2. Vertical osteotomy.

Progenia

Progenia is an enlargement of the lower jaw with protrusion of the chin and malocclusion. With this deformation, along with a violation of the shape of the face, the chewing function (biting) is significantly reduced.

There are true and false progeny.

With true progeny, all dimensions of the lower jaw are increased.

With false progeny, the relationship of the dentition is changed only in the frontal region (the lower teeth overlap the upper ones) with a neutral relationship of the first large molars.

• False frontal progeny can be caused by underdevelopment of the anterior part of the upper jaw.

• False forced progeny may be caused by the habitual forward displacement of the lower jaw when the nasopharynx is narrowed.

To eliminate progenia, several surgical options are used:

1. Horizontal osteotomy of the mandibular ramus.

2. Vertical osteotomy of the mandibular ramus.

3. Bilateral resection of the body of the lower jaw with preservation of the neurovascular bundle.

Prognathia

Prognathia is characterized by protrusion of the frontal part of the upper jaw in relation to the normally developed lower jaw.

This deformation of the facial skeleton is accompanied by the following symptoms:

1. Horizontal position of the front teeth of the lower jaw.

2. The upper lip is raised.

3. The lips of the mouth do not close.

4. Mouth half open.

5. The pronunciation of “labial” sounds is impaired.

Stratigraphy

Leather

The chin area is thickened compared to other parts of the face and is fused by connective tissue cords with the underlying fascia and facial muscles. In men, the skin has pronounced hair.

Subcutaneous fat thickness

small. The cellular structure of subcutaneous fatty tissue determines the limitation of hematomas and inflammatory processes in this layer.

Muscles

have a slight thickness and an oblique transverse course of the fibers:

• The muscle that lowers the lower lip (m. depressor labii inferioris) extends from the lower edge of the body of the lower jaw (starting outward from the mental angle) to the lower lip.

• When the muscle contracts, the chin-labial fold deepens, the lower lip lowers, turns out, helping to increase the visible part of the red border of the lips. The course of muscle fibers is longitudinal.

• The combined weak contraction of the muscle that depresses the lower lip and the muscles that depress the corners of the mouth contributes to the manifestation of sadness and grief.

• Significantly expressed contraction of these muscles contributes to the demonstration of contempt, disgust, and disgust.

• The subcutaneous muscle of the neck (m. platysma), passing from the neck to the chin region, is woven with separate fibers into the mental muscle and the muscles that lower the corners of the mouth. Contraction of this muscle enhances the lowering of the lower lip and corners of the mouth.

When the body of the lower jaw is fractured, a violation of the surface sensitivity of the skin of the chin and lower lip, mucous membrane of the gums, teeth develops, a change in pain and temperature sensitivity (parasthesia or anesthesia) due to compression or damage to the lower alveolar nerve (n. alveolaris inferior) - the largest branch of the mandibular nerve . Through the opening of the lower jaw (foramen mandibulae) this nerve enters the mandibular canal (canalis mandibularis). In it, the lower alveolar nerve gives off branches that, connecting with each other, form the lower dental plexus or directly dental and gingival branches that innervate the mucous membrane of the alveolar process and the gums of the lower jaw from the vestibular side. At the level of small molars, a large branch departs from the lower alveolar nerve - the mental nerve (n. mentalis), which exits through the mental foramen and innervates the skin, mucous membrane of the lower lip, and skin of the chin (Fig. 143).

Rice. 143. Position of the needle when introducing an anesthetic solution into the foramen mentale (according to: Bocharov N.N., 1970).

Topographic-anatomical basis of anesthesia of the mental nerve

The mental foramen with the exiting nerve is located under the 2nd small molar in the middle of the height of the body of the lower jaw (the canal is directed posteriorly, upward and outward).

The main stages of manipulation when using the extraoral method:

• fixation of the skin with the finger of the left hand at the site of the projection of the mental foramen;

• inserting a needle into the soft tissue above and posterior to the projection of the hole and then moving it forward, down and posterior to the projection point of the hole;

• bringing the end of the needle to the hole and introducing 0.5–2 ml of novocaine solution into its lumen.

The main stages of manipulation using the intraoral method:

• inserting a needle forward, downward and inward into the transitional fold of the mucous membrane of the oral vestibule slightly above and posterior to the projection point of the hole (corresponding to the first large molar);

• advancement of the needle in depth by 7 – 10 mm;

• performing nerve anesthesia after reaching the mental foramen.

Language structure

The human tongue is a soft pink colored muscle mass on which taste buds are located. At the very top of the tongue, and along its edges, there are papillae, which are responsible for the taste of everything that comes into our mouth. It is no secret that the mouth is the first point where the initial processing of food and the adsorption of microorganisms and harmful substances begins. The tongue takes on the most important role here, accumulating on its surface all the harmful substances that form a coating known to everyone. It is imperative, for preventive purposes, to clean your tongue of plaque, which will get rid of the unpleasant odor and possible infections. At the root of the tongue, there are no papillae, there are tonsils. Which play an important role in protecting the human body, standing in the way of microbes, they do not allow them to penetrate inside.

Diagnostics

At the initial consultation, the doctor examines the oral cavity, examines ulcers, erosions, damage to the mucous membrane, and then takes a smear for examination. To confirm the inflammatory process, the patient is sent for a general and biochemical blood test.

The diagnosis is confirmed by the results of the examination:

MRI and ultrasound of soft tissues of the neck. The images reveal the localization of the pathology, the depth of germination and the structure of the tumor, compaction from blood and lymph, decomposition of the cortical layer of the bone;

if metastases are suspected, a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the lymph nodes under the chin, under the jaw and in the upper third of the neck is performed;

positron emission tomography. Shows the depth of the tumor, as well as early metastases;
osteoscintigraphy. Skeletal bones are examined to look for displaced cancer cells;

CT scan of facial bones with contrast. The images show the tumor growing into the neck vessels, jaw or base of the skull.

Sky structure

The part of the oral cavity that is located on top is called the palate. The palate is made up of 2 components, hard and soft. The mucous membrane covers both parts, passing through the hard palate to the soft palate, it gradually turns into gums. The front side of the palate forms rudimentary formations (palatine alveoli), humans do not fully use them, but animals, on the contrary, use them to eat food. The palate has another role besides forming the upper part of the mouth; it is a barrier between the nose and nasopharynx. A kind of barrier wall is a small tongue that blocks access to the nasopharynx during the digestion process.

Causes

The prevalence of oral cancer is growing and is currently diagnosed in 2% of patients among the total number of cases. Since 2009, the incidence has increased by 25%, with mostly squamous cell carcinoma being detected and only in isolated cases adenocarcinoma.

Most foci of oncology are observed in the tongue. Slightly less malignant formations on the floor of the mouth. Cancer of the soft and hard palate, gums and cheeks is detected in 20% of cases. Much less frequently diagnosed is damage to the alveoli of the lower jaw - 4%, the arches of the palate, retromolar region and vestibule - 3%.

Based on practice, men are more susceptible to oral cancer than women. This is due to bad habits, for example, the abuse of cigarettes or chewing tonic mixtures increases the production of saliva, which washes away beneficial elements from the mucous membrane. The risk group includes patients with HPV, elderly people, workers in hazardous industries, patients with lichen planus, people whose oral mucosa is systematically injured by fillings, prostheses, and metal objects.

Structure of the mucous membrane

The entire human oral cavity is covered with a mucous membrane, which has a distinctive feature, regenerative ability. The mucous membrane protects the oral cavity from environmental influences. Chemical, mechanical, temperature factors cannot influence it. The structure of the mucous membrane is simple; in the lower part of the mouth - on the cheeks and lips, it forms folds; in the upper part - attached to the bones. The main roles of the mucous membrane:

The protective role is unpleasant, but it is a fact that many viruses and bacteria accumulate in the human mouth. The mucous membrane retains, prevents reproduction and removes all harmful microorganisms from the oral cavity.
Sensitive role - Due to the presence on its surface of many receptors responsible for sensations (taste, pain, temperature), it signals all the events that accompany food intake.
Absorption role – Thanks to this ability, we are able to take medications “under the tongue”. The mucous membrane perfectly absorbs protein and mineral compounds.

Classification

Oral cancer is divided into three types:

papillary. The nodule in the mucous membrane increases in size and hangs into the oral cavity. The neoplasm progresses slowly;
infiltrative. The seal on the pinkish mucosa is distinguished by a whitish color, clear contours and shape, and thinning of the membrane around it. On palpation from the side of the cheek, a dense infiltrate is felt. The tumor tends to grow rapidly. The patient complains of unbearable pain;

ulcerative The most common form of the disease. Ulcers on the mucous membrane do not heal, they grow, and the border around them turns red. The outline is torn and its edges are bleeding.

Tumor metastases appear quickly. Malignant cells grow into the mental, submandibular, and deep jugular lymph nodes. This process is influenced by the thickness and depth of the tumor. Thus, when the tumor deepens by 4-5 mm, metastases occur in 98% of cases. At the T1 stage of oncology, metastasis is detected in half of the cases, and when the T4 stage is reached, distant spread of cancer cells is observed in 85% of cases.

Dispensary observation

Since the tumor can recur and metastasize, after completing the course of treatment the patient is registered with the oncology clinic. The first year you should visit a doctor every month, the second year a preventive examination is carried out every 4-6 months, and then once a year or in case of any ailments. The examination involves an examination - ultrasound and contrast MRI of the soft tissues of the neck, PET, osteoscintigraphy. Consultation with an otolaryngologist, dentist and oncologist is required. The doctor may shorten the period of medical examination if there is a high risk of relapse.

List of references on the topic:

Gantsev Sh.H. Oncology – M, 2012 – P.204-205.
Golovin D.I. Errors and difficulties in diagnosing tumors, D.: Medicine. Leningr. department, 2015 305 pp.
Selected lectures on clinical oncology/Ed. IN AND. Chissova, S.L. Daryalova. – M., 2010
Matyakin E.G., Alferov V.S. Chemotherapy of head and neck tumors // Mat. 2nd Ros. oncol. conf. “Current trends in the development of drug therapy for tumors” December 8–10, 2016 – M., 256 p.
Tumors of the head and neck: hands/ A.I. Paches. - 5th ed., add. And revised - M.: Practical Medicine, 2013. -478 p.
Shine A.A. Oncology. M – 2014 365 pp.
Encyclopedia of Clinical Oncology/Ed. M.I. Davydova. – M., 2014 –P.140-179.
Bityutsky P.G., Kitsmanyuk Z.D., Trofimov E.I. Diagnosis and treatment of cancer of the oral mucosa // Medical consultations. - 2014. - No. 1. - P. 23-27.
Byakhov M. Yu. Options for combined and complex treatment of locally advanced cancer of the oral mucosa and oropharynx: Dis. Dr. med. Sci. - M., 2013.

Treatment

The choice of treatment tactics depends on the stage and extent of the tumor. When the tumor grows rapidly, treatment methods are combined.

Operation

The doctor determines the principle of surgical intervention after determining the stage of the tumor and its spread. If cancer cells have penetrated the periosteum and surrounding tissues, a wedge-shaped, planar or sagittal resection of the jaw is performed. If the examination reveals the growth of cancer cells directly into the bone or the defect is noticed during surgery, segmental resection of the lower jaw is performed. The doctor assesses the lesion on site and determines the thickness of the excised layer.

The next stage of the operation is partial or complete excision of the cervical lymph nodes to prevent metastases if the thickness of the tumor is more than 4 mm or the location of the tumor in the floor of the mouth or on the tongue. If the tumor is located in the midline, then the cervical lymph nodes are excised on both sides. The operation ends with the immediate replacement of damaged tissue.

After removal, the tumor is sent for histological examination. Its size, thickness, depth, edges are assessed. Further treatment is affected by cell growth beyond the boundaries of the capsule of the removed lymph node, and the spread of cancer cells to neighboring organs.

Radiation therapy

Radiation after surgery is prescribed when diagnosing T3, T4, N2, T3 stages of the disease no later than six weeks after tumor removal. The need for radiation therapy increases with perineural invasion of the lymphatic vessels. The total focal dose for all sessions is 60 g, and the single focal dose for one session is 2 g. When metastases are detected on the neck, the SOD increases to 66 g, and if there is no risk of metastasis, the SOD decreases to 50 g.

As the main treatment, radiation therapy is used in a total focal dose of 60-70 g. The procedure is performed five days a week and is combined with chemotherapy. Every three weeks, 100 mg of cisplatin is administered.

Chemotherapy

Anticancer drugs are prescribed before surgery or along with radiation therapy to reduce the size of the tumor. Sometimes therapy is prescribed simultaneously with surgery.

Treatment involves the use of a 5-fluoroacyl regimen together with cisplatin or other agents - carboplatin, methotrexate, bleomycin. They cause a number of side effects, for example, vomiting or nausea, hair loss, decreased appetite, and increased bleeding. Symptoms disappear after treatment, but permanent hearing loss is sometimes observed after taking cisplatin.

The prognosis of oral cancer depends on the stage at which the disease is detected. If treatment is started at stage zero, the disease will stop. It is worth noting that smoking provokes relapse or degeneration of the tumor, so repeated surgery or radiation may be required. Surgery at the first stage increases survival rate to 80-85%, and the combination of radiation therapy with surgery at the second stage by 60-80%. Already at subsequent stages of cancer development, the survival rate is no more than 50%, and all three treatment methods are used simultaneously.