Report and commentary on a series of cases of buccal carcinoma

Abstract

In hospital practice epithelioma of the buccal region forms a considerable proportion of the cases of malignant disease. The increasing use of radium in the treatment of this class of case has prompted this study; for it seems that a full con- :sideration of the problem is now necessary to enable us to estimate with what justification surgery has been superseded. The economic and the humane aspects of the problem are of distinct importance and every avenue that may lead to an advancement in our know- :ledge must be explored. By no fact is this more warranted than by the uncertainty that appears from the literature to attend the use of radiation therapy. From time immemorial fads have sprung up to hold the fashion for a brief space before being finally re- :legated to the limbo of the past, and in many instances these fads of fashion have served to hamper the field of progress. Radium treatment has been in use sufficiently long now for us to ask ourselves whether its use is justified by its results. If it has to its credit no better or more hopeful outlook than Surgery, we will be justified in pressing for its abolition, lest its continued use should only raise false hopes or prevent fresh advances.