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Chen S-C, Liao C-T et al. Oral Oncol 2011; 47: 131–135

This study explored relationships between the side-effects of treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma (97.2% of patients, had advanced stage T3 or T4) in a consecutive sample of 72 patients. These side-effects were revealed one month after surgery and then one further month after the completion of radiotherapy. Although both pain and emotional distress significantly improved with time, difficulties with eating were worse after radiotherapy, possibly as a consequence of a dry mouth and taste disturbances. Masticatory constraints emphasised 'the need to provide passive mouth exercise and scar massage...'. The investigators state that with increasing age of patient, eating difficulties, speech difficulties and depression were significant predictors for orofacial pain. This study would imply these symptoms were very common.