Oral cancer natural history

Complications

 * Postoperative disfigurement of the face, head and neck
 * Complications of radiation therapy, including dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
 * Other metastasis (spread) of the cancer

Prognosis
Survival rates for oral cancer depend on the precise site, and the stage of the cancer at diagnosis. Overall, survival is around 50% at five years when all stages of initial diagnosis are considered. Survival rates for stage 1 cancers are 90%, hence the emphasis on early detection to increase survival outcome for patients.