Title:
The Management of Surgical Defect in A Patient with Stage I Low-Grade
Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Using An Obturator Prosthesis: A Case Report
Author(s):
Panarat Kodkeaw, Chaiwat Songsermpanyakul
Keyword(s):
Surgery, Obturator, Early stage oral cancer, Oro-nasal communication
Abstract:
This report presents a 64 year-old female patient with stage I low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma at the
junction of the hard and soft palate on the left side. A wide excision was used to completely remove the cancer
with a negative margin control of at least five millimeters. The post-operative obturator was used to restore the
palatal defect and the oral function. Tissue conditioner was used to line the obturator in the area close to the defect.
This procedure helps to improve fit, control the nasal leakage, promote the wound healing, and reduce pain. During
healing process, the obturator was adjusted and the tissue conditioner was changed periodically. Finally, the oro-nasal
communication was spontaneously closed in three months after surgery. The oral function was returning to normal again.
