Role of oral medicine specialist in palliative care

Oral cancer, the sixth most common malignancy, is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. The leading etiological factor behind this is consumption of tobacco by Indian population. Palliative care is an imperative need worldwide for people with cancer. It is a multidisciplinary approach consisting of specialists in various fields of medicine; but the role of oral physician in palliative team is oblivious. Oral care is considered one of the most basic of nursing activities but it may be compromised in cancer patients either as a result of the disease itself or due to the various therapeutic modalities. The course of palliative care should be broadened by providing education to clinicians, patients, and families with regard to the elements and appropriateness of palliative care.