MAXILLOFACIAL PSYCHOGENESIS

Cancer patients are on a continuous tumble ride. First the shock of the disease, fear of suffering and impending death are devastating not only the patient and his close family. This is followed by an upsurge in effort to seek cure by way of ablative surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A ray of hope for life is seen by the patient as the oncologist declares him disease free. Back in his social setup he confronts the tremendous disappointment of facial disfigurement, tremendous functional deficit and resultant difficulties in daily living and above all the pain of social ostracise. This second spike in distress often makes patients wonder whether it was worth going through the ordeal of cancer treatment at all and probably death would have been a better situation. Prosthetic rehabilitation begins with the uphill task of convincing the patient about the possibilities of restoration of esthetic and functional deficits and return to near normal social life and daily well being. We must remember a healthy mind dictates the wellness of the healthy body. Strong family support is definitely an advantage at this juncture. Never the less exhaustive psychological counselling based on realistic optimism is invaluable. A psychologist hence must always be an important member of oncotherapy team.