Healing Time for Oral Cancer Surgery Wounds After Chemotherapy and Radiation

How long does it take for the wound to heal after the first surgery for oral cancer treatment?

Hello Doctor: My father had a mouth sore that did not heal by the end of last year.
At the beginning of this year, he went to an otolaryngologist for a biopsy, which revealed stage II oral cancer.
However, after surgery, the doctor informed us that due to additional tissue being removed for safety, it was classified as stage III.
Because it is stage III, he needs to undergo chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
By May, he completed 7 sessions of chemotherapy and 35 sessions of radiation therapy.
Now in August, the initial surgical wound still causes pain, leading my father to continue taking the pain medication prescribed by the doctor.
I would like to ask the doctor, what is the typical recovery period for the wound after completing radiation and chemotherapy? Is it normal for him to still experience pain at this stage? (My father has a history of diabetes.) Thank you, Doctor!

Wu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/08/07

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

Wu / 25 years old / Female.
Doctor, after completing both radiation therapy and chemotherapy, how long is the typical recovery period for the wound? Is it normal to still experience pain at this point?
A: 1.
Some individuals may not experience pain after surgery and before radiation therapy; I have also had a second surgery followed by a second round of radiation therapy and continued to have pain.
2.
Is there pain after surgery before radiation therapy? Did the pain start again after radiation therapy? 3.
There are a few patients who may experience persistent pain and rely on pain medication for 3-6 months to see if it alleviates, gradually reducing the pain medication.
4.
For the specific situation, it is best to consult the original surgeon and the physician who administered the radiation therapy.
Wishing you peace and health, Taoyuan Hospital, Chen Si-Rong.

Reply Date: 2023/08/07

More Info

Healing time for oral cancer surgery wounds after chemotherapy and radiation therapy can vary significantly from patient to patient, influenced by several factors including the extent of the surgery, the type and dosage of chemotherapy and radiation received, the patient's overall health, and any underlying conditions such as diabetes.

In general, after surgery for oral cancer, the initial healing of the surgical wound can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. For many patients, the surgical site may begin to heal within 2 to 4 weeks, but complete healing can take longer, especially if the patient undergoes additional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments can affect the healing process due to their impact on the body’s immune response and tissue regeneration.

Chemotherapy can lead to mucositis, which is inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, causing pain and discomfort. Radiation therapy can also cause damage to the tissues in the irradiated area, leading to delayed healing and increased risk of complications such as osteoradionecrosis (bone death due to radiation). This means that even after the completion of chemotherapy and radiation, patients may experience ongoing pain and discomfort as their body continues to heal.

In your father's case, it is not uncommon for patients to still experience pain several months after completing chemotherapy and radiation. Persistent pain can be a result of several factors, including nerve damage from surgery or radiation, ongoing inflammation, or even the presence of scar tissue. Given that your father has a history of diabetes, this could further complicate his healing process, as diabetes can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infections.

Typically, pain management is an essential part of recovery. If your father is still requiring pain medication months after treatment, it is crucial to communicate this to his healthcare provider. They may need to evaluate his pain management plan and consider adjustments or additional therapies to help alleviate his discomfort.

As for the expected healing time, while many patients may start to feel significant improvement within 3 to 6 months post-treatment, complete healing can take up to a year or more, particularly in cases where extensive surgery and radiation were involved. Regular follow-ups with his oncologist and possibly a pain management specialist can provide further guidance and support during this recovery phase.

In summary, it is normal for your father to still experience pain after completing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for oral cancer. The healing process can be prolonged, especially considering his diabetes and the nature of his treatments. Continuous communication with his healthcare team is vital to ensure that his pain is managed effectively and that any complications are addressed promptly.

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