Masticatory function in postoperative oral cancer patients

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the masticatory function of postoperative oral cancer patients. Sixty-three oral cancer patients (15 tongue, 17 lower gingiva and 31 upper gingiva) were enrolled. Masticatory efficiency was measured using color-changeable chewing gum and was expressed as masticatory performance (a*: charomaticness). Masticatory performance in hemi- or subtotal-glossectomy patients with reconstruction was significantly lower than in partial-glossectomy patients without reconstruction. Oral manipulation skill by the tongue was suggested to be related to masticatory function. There were no significant differences in masticatory efficiency between marginal and segmental mandibulectomies. Maintaining the positions of mandibular segments by mandibular reconstruction is essential to preserve postoperative masticatory function. In maxillectomy patients, a significant difference was revealed between Eichner's B and C groups. Occlusal units among the residual teeth were suggested to be an important factor affecting masticatory function.