Abstract

ALVAREZ GOMEZ, Gloria Jeanethe et al. Alterations found in the mouth of patients treated with head and neck radiotherapy. Medellin, Colombia. Rev. Odont. Mex [online]. 2017, vol.21, n.2, pp.87-97. ISSN 1870-199X.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rodmex.2017.05.003.

The aim of the present study was to determine which oral alterations can be found in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy as well as to explore dentist's involvement in treatment of these patients. An exploratory study was conducted in 52 patients who had previously received over 1,000 cGy radiation. A survey was undertaken as well as oral examination of each participant, in order to assess stimulated salivary flow and flavor tests. Results revealed high prevalence of oral alterations in patients with accumulated radiation of 3,001-5,000 cGy. Dry mouth (xerostomia) was the most frequently reported alteration (78.8%). Estimated total salivary secretion rate confirmed a state of hyposalivation in 82.7% of all patients. A statistically significant association was found between cancer location (p < 0.01) and type of tumor with presence of trismus (p < 0.05). Hyposialia was more frequently present in patients with stage IV tumors (50%) in those subjected to combined treatments (p < 0.05). Periodontal assessment was possible in 50% of all patients, Of this proportion, 92% exhibited periodontitis with mainly moderate to severe insertion loss; 84.6% of all participants reported not to have been remitted to dentists either before or after treatment. Findings support high frequency of oral alterations in patients subjected to radiotherapy treatment and dental care inappropriateness to prevent or treat these effects. An alert is raised with respect to the compulsiveness to follow treatment protocols for cancer patients, which should include dental evaluation before, during and after respective treatment.

Keywords : Head and neck cancer; mucositis; dysgeusia; trismus; xerostomia; radiotherapy oral sequels; oral candidiasis.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in English | Spanish     · English ( pdf ) | Spanish ( pdf )