Trismus and Oral Cancer

The incidence of head and neck cancer is increasing rapidly. It is fast becoming a global health priority with an incidence of about 780000 new cases per year. The treatment of oral cancer is primarily aimed at maximizing survival and loco-regional control while trying to preserve normal oral function and quality of life. A symptom related to oral cancer which previously has not been paid much attention to is trismus. ''Trismus'' indicates a muscular dysfunction or tonic contraction of the muscles of mastication which could result from various factors leading to difficulty in mouth opening. In oral cancer this can have a profound effect on the patient''s quality of life thereby reducing the effects of rehabilitation and overall well-being. This book evaluates trismus a significant consequence of oral malignancies or its surgical and radiotherapy treatment or both to facilitate its early diagnosis and help in timely intervention and planning of preventive strategies.