Explore Cancer & Blood DisordersOral Oncology
Oral Oncology Program
The Carol and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center Oral Oncology Program treats cancers of the mouth or oral cavity. These cancers may originate in the mouth, affect the mouth from metastasis, or spread from a neighboring body part. Once it reaches the mouth, oral cancer usually occurs in the tissues that line the mouth, surround the lips, or on the tongue.
The Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Oral Oncology program offers some unique advantages when seeking a diagnosis or treatment of oral cancer. Our experienced oral oncology practitioners work closely with the internationally recognized dental faculty from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine to provide the most thorough and comprehensive care available.
Our team of medical professionals includes radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, nutritionists, and social workers. Specialists in neurologic surgery, prosthodontics, plastic surgery, oculoplastic surgery, and dermatologic surgery are also ready to assist as needed.
Dental Medicine/Oral Oncology Services
Expert faculty and staff at the UConn School of Dental Medicine work with the oral oncology team to provide state-of-the-art, coordinated care to address the special dental needs and considerations of patients diagnosed with oral cancer.
The team includes professionals from the following areas:
- Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology Biopsy Service: The only oral pathology biopsy service in Connecticut, this service reviews approximately 4,300 diagnostic specimens annually. Board-certified oral pathologists provide oral diagnostic services based on the latest research and innovations in healthcare.
- General Dentistry: Comprehensive oral assessment and treatment for cancer patients requiring urgent dental care in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) clinic. Clinical trials are available, including studies focused on oral mucositis, a common side effect of cancer treatments.
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery: Plate reconstruction of the jaw, bone grafts, dental implants, and tooth extractions.
- Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology: Dental and oral imaging for assessment and diagnosis of dental conditions that occur before and after cancer treatment.
- Prosthodontics: Prosthetic reconstruction of oral defects resulting from cancer surgery performed in the prosthodontic clinic.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Patients who will receive radiation treatment to the mouth should get a complete dental examination before starting treatment. Radiation treatment can increase risks to the teeth and bone in the years following treatment. If a complete series of dental X-rays has not been recently taken, these will also be needed.
Dentists specializing in the effects of medical conditions and treatments on the mouth will evaluate the teeth, bones, gums, and other oral tissues to determine the patient’s level of risk for future dental complications. Any recommended treatment needs can be quickly accommodated to allow radiation treatment to begin as soon as possible. Services are arranged through the patient’s community dentist or a dentist on-site at UConn Health.