Abstract
This work was aimed to describe the perception of Dental surgeons about mouth cancer and to investigate the psychosocial aspects present in patients with this condition. It consists in a research study with qualitative approach, performed in a city in Bahia. We interviewed dental surgeons with regular work in the public and private services, who provide or not care for patients with mouth cancer. The data interpretation was based on the Content Analysis by Bardin L (2010): 1st category: Knowledge about cancer; 2nd Category: Diagnosis time; 3rd Category: Knowledge of the patient’s emotional profile; 4th Category: Importance of the therapeutic approach. The evaluation revealed limitations in the professionals’ knowledge about mouth cancer, especially with regard to a technical and humanized approach at the time of diagnosis. As for psychosocial factors, we found that most patients experience anxiety and fear in relation to treatment. Lastly, therapeutic approach. The evaluation revealed limitations in the professionals’ knowledge about mouth cancer, especially with regard to a technical and humanized approach at the time of diagnosis. As for psychosocial factors, we found that most patients experience anxiety and fear in relation to treatment. Lastly, the results highlighted the importance of the family during therapy and the need for a more effective therapeutic approach by professionals.