What Researchers Did
Researchers presented a rare case of delayed massive tongue necrosis occurring simultaneously with bilateral osteoradionecrosis of the jaw in a patient previously treated for retromolar trigone carcinoma.
What They Found
They found that a patient developed these complications 8 years after treatment, which included surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. Following a glossectomy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the patient showed satisfactory response one month later, with significant improvement in speech, oral food intake, and decreased lingual pain.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with a history of head and neck irradiation should be aware of the potential for rare, delayed complications like tongue necrosis and osteoradionecrosis. It is crucial for them to discuss their radiation history with their dental and medical teams, especially before undergoing tooth extractions.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
As a single case report, this study's findings may not be generalizable to a broader patient population.