Episode 87: Oral Cancer | Smokes For Nothin’ And HPV For Free

Oral cancer was a fatal disease even into the twentieth century. Patients required extensive surgery and often had a painful recovery or went into palliative care but the result was the same. Modern medicine has thankfully provided much to our understanding, the treatment and management of patients with oral cancer. In recent times, patients have been able to be stratified into two general but distinct categories: the first are older with a strong history of heavy smoking and/or alcohol use; the second are younger and have a history of multiple sexual partners. The distinction is important as the treatment and management are different between the two groups with the second group having a much better prognosis. This is the story of oral cancer. Our special guests: Dr Rebecca Morrow is an anatomical pathologist and deputy head of department at the Royal Adelaide Hospital with SA Pathology. Dr Rowan Valentine is a paediatric and adult Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon. Listen: This Medical Life podcast is available on all podcasting services and Spotify. Help support us on our donation page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.