Impact of Controlled Breathing Techniques in Virtual Reality Environments on the Psychological Status of Oral Cancer Patients: A Case Report.

Oral cancer is among the six most common cancers worldwide. It is associated with a poor prognosis, delayed clinical diagnosis, absence of a clear biomarker, and expensive treatment choices. It is a serious health risk. Among people with cancer, increased stress and low mood are prevalent psychological issues. One of the most intriguing new technologies for treating anxiety and depression in the clinical setting may be virtual reality (VR). VR has recently emerged as a fascinating remedy for many symptoms in place of conventional exposure-based treatments. Immersion in a virtual world created by a computer reduces avoidance and speeds up the processing of emotions. This case concerns a 40-year-old male who underwent a mandibulectomy for left buccal mucosa carcinoma. The most typical oral side effects following are discomfort, sepsis, difficulty in eating food, and talking difficulties. Pain and difficulty opening his mouth were his main complaints. Additionally, he could not move his tongue, making it challenging for him to speak and swallow. He had chewed tobacco for the previous 10 years. The patient was advised to engage in physiotherapy, which included jaw-opening exercises, gulping exercises, etc., to lessen his discomfort. And to reduce anxiety and stress, VR therapy was given to the patient. The case's findings indicate that all goals were achieved and the patient progressed in his daily activities compared to the outcome measures.