Fibrosis, Contractures, and Trismus: Delayed Complications of Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer.

Summary: Imagine surviving cancer, only to find you can barely open your mouth to eat, talk, or smile. This condition, called trismus, is a long-lasting side effect of radiation treatments for head and neck cancers. Because it limits mouth movement, it makes chewing and swallowing hard, which can lead to choking or lung infections. It also makes brushing teeth difficult, causing painful dental problems. As more people survive these cancers, especially those linked to HPV, trismus is becoming more common. Doctors say a team approach is needed to help patients manage this lifelong struggle and improve their quality of life.