Oral complications are common in cancer patients, especially those with head and neck cancer. Preventing and controlling
oral complications can help you continue cancer treatment and have a better quality of life. Patients receiving treatments
that affect the head and neck should have their care planned by a team of doctors and specialists.Radiotherapy can be used
as the primary treatment or in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the type and
stage of cancer. Chemotherapy patients may experience acute and chronic oral complications. This review provides an insight
into the severity of oral complications may necessitate modification or cessation of the radiotherapy and chemotherapy, negatively
impacting patient’s survival. To manage the oral health effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, a multidisciplinary
approach is essential. Dental professionals should be involved in the patient’s treatment planning to assess and address
potential risks. Patients should maintain open communication with their oncology and dental teams, and they should follow
recommended oral care practices to minimize the impacton the oral cavity.
1. Beumer J, Marunick M T, Esposito SJ.Maxillofacial rehabilitation:prosthodontic and surgical management of cancer-related, acquired, and congenital defects of the head and neck.2011
2. Page, R, Takimoto C, 2004. Principles of chemotherapy.Cancer Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach Medical,Surgical & Radiation Oncology. Editors: R Pazdur, LR Coia, WJ Hoskins, LD Wagman. PRR, New York, pp.21-38.
3. Jham BC, da Silva Freire AR. Oral complications of radiotherapy in the head and neck. Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology. 2006;72(5):704-708.
4. Arrifin A, Heidari E, Burke M, Fenlon MR, BanerjeeA.The effect of radiotherapy for treatment of head and neck cancer on oral flora and saliva. Oral Health Prev Dent.2018;16(5):425-429.
5. Handschel J, Sunderkötter C, Kruse‐Lösler B, Prott FJ, Meyer U, Piffko J, Joos U. Late effects of radiotherapy on oral mucosa in humans. European journal of oral sciences.2001; 109(2):95-102.