Management of psychological distress in a patient diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma arising from areca nut-induced oral fibrosis

Patients with oral cancer are more susceptible to emotional and psychological consequences immediately after diagnosis and treatment phase, which may cause depressive disorders. The WHO defines depression as a disorder that lasts at least 2 weeks and is characterised by a person's protracted unhappiness and loss of interest in activities. Patients psychological responses vary widely according to fears of recurrence, coping mechanisms, health beliefs and available financial support. Individual planning of the treatment and different ways of approach are necessary to beat the psychological fear in patients. Here, we present a case study of a male patient who developed psychological distress following his diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma arising from areca nut-induced oral fibrosis. This case highlights the significance of early identification, focused therapies and psychological screening as a means of successfully resolving their psychological issues and ultimately enhancing the quality of oncology intervention.