I HAVE A NEICE JUST DIAGNOSED WITH FOURTH STAGE ORAL CANCER. 39 YEARS OLD HAS FAMILY HISTORY OF ORAL CANCER. SHE LOST HER FATHER TWO YEARS AGO. SHE IS A DRINKER AND A SMOKER. OBVIOUSLY THAT HAS STOPPED. WHAT ARE HER CHANCES OF SURVIVAL? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FOR TREATMENT ANDHOW DO WE TELL HER 7 YEAR OLD SON
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your situation and problem. Stage 4 oral cancer has not very good prognosis. Life expectancy is less than 2 years. Because of decreased or absent oral intake, Malnutrition is the biggest problem in these patients. Feeding jejunostomy is the option for feeding in such cases. Treatment in such cases is palliative only. Palliative treatment is consists of1. Palliative chemotherapy2. Palliative radiotherapy3. Multivitamin, proteins supplements4. Painkillers. Better to consult psychiatrist for end of life issues and counselling of her son.