Oral Complications of Cancer Therapy
The purpose of this web page is to provide to you basic information about the oral complications of cancer therapy. It is also a means to locate additional and more detailed information on the Internet about this subject. The information contained in this web site is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Any specific questions you may have regarding a medical condition should be directed to your health care provider.
General Patient Information
Approximately 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer each year. Of these approximately one third will develop oral complications from their treatments. Proper oral care can prevent or minimize many painful complications in the mouth that affect those patients undergoing treatment or therapy for cancer. The incidence of oral complications can be reduced significantly when an aggressive approach to oral care is started prior to cancer therapy.
This document is not meant to be a comprehensive review, but does provide general information on the complications of cancer therapy. This information will provide the reader with general guidelines for treating the cancer patient who may be expected to present with oral complications from cancer therapy.
Preventive Measures That Can Be Taken Before Cancer Therapy
Important pre-treatment measures can include counseling on a well balanced nutritional intake, adequate oral hygiene, and early detection of oral problems. A dentist familiarity with the oral complications of cancer therapy should perform a complete dental examination prior to treatment. The dental examination allows the dentist to determine the condition of the oral mucosa and supportive structures prior to any cancer therapy. Any indicated dental treatment interventions may reduce oral complications during and/or after completion of cancer therapy. This examination is best performed 2-4 weeks before the initiation of cancer therapy to permit adequate healing from any required dental procedures.
What Will the Complete Dental Examination Involve?
The complete dental examination should include diagnostic x-rays, impressions of your upper and lower teeth, a full mouth examination of your gums and teeth, and a treatment plan. All urgent dental treatment such as a dental cleaning, control of infection, or decay should be completed before the start of cancer therapy. During your initial visit to the dentist, a rigorous preventive dental care program will begin including instruction in plaque removal and a through cleaning to remove all plaque and calculus from your teeth. The dental examination will look to eliminate all potential sources of dental infection to include tooth decay, erupting third molars (wisdom teeth), ill-fitting dentures and partial dentures, and orthodontic appliances.
It is extremely important that the patient be instructed about the need for good oral hygiene and oral hygiene procedures prior to actually receiving cancer therapy. A good program of oral hygiene is extremely important in reducing the incidence and severity of many of the oral effects of cancer treatment. In addition to brushing and flossing, patients may receive instruction on various oral hygiene methods to include rinsing/irrigation and mechanical dental plaque removal. Consultation with the dentist concerning oral care products is necessary because some products may produce symptoms or injure the oral tissues and should not be used. Flavoring agents in toothpastes may irritate or burn the oral soft tissue, so a mild toothpaste may be recommended. Lip care is also important so a moisturizer may be suggested.
Types Of Therapy for Cancer That Can Result In Oral Complications
Forms of cancer therapy can include radiation to the head and neck, chemotherapy for any type of cancer, and bone marrow transplantation. These forms of cancer treatment may be administered independently or they may be used in conjunction with surgery. You should obtain specific information concerning the type of cancer therapy that you will be receiving from the physician providing your cancer therapy.
Oral Complications of Cancer Therapy
There are certain oral side effects from the radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and bone marrow transplantation. These complications can lead to serious complications if they are left uncontrolled. It is difficult to discern the exact effects of each cancer therapy. Some of the most common oral complications of cancer treatment are inflammation of the gums and mouth; mouth ulcers; bleeding; increased susceptibility to infection; and salivary gland dysfunction that leads to dry mouth and rampant tooth decay. It must be stressed that these symptoms may vary depending on the type of cancer treatment that is received.
You can expect to experience some, if not all, of the side effects. However, with proper attention to your oral health some of the discomfort of the side effects can be expected to be reduced. This requires that you have a strict home care program and work closely with your dentist. Regular dental examinations are recommended both during and after your cancer therapy in order to maintain optimal oral health. As a patient, it is very important that you understand that the dentist may recommend more frequent follow-up checkups both during and following the completion of your cancer therapy. Due to the oral complications of certain types of cancer therapy, continued and careful attention to your oral health will be necessary.
How To Get More Information About Oral Complications of Cancer Therapy
The following resources are provided so that you may obtain additional information on the topics listed.
Cancer Therapy/Topics Menu
General Patient Information
Preventive Measures That Can Be Taken Before Cancer Therapy
What Will the Complete Dental Examination Involve?
Types of Therapy for Cancer That Can Result In Oral Complications
Oral Complications of Cancer Therapy
Definitions Associated With Cancer Therapy
Support
General Disclaimer: The information contained in this web site is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It should not be used as a substitute for medical care or professional services. Any specific questions you may have regarding a medical condition should be directed to your health care provider.
Page last updated May 10, 2000