[Role of the dentist in the reduction of oral complications caused by radiotherapy in head and neck cancer]

Abstract

The treatment of head and neck cancer patients using radiotherapy precipitates has many oral side effects that can lead to serious local and systemic complications. A comprehensive system of oral health care management is necessary to prevent or limit some serious side effects as well as the provision of palliative treatment for other unavoidable oral complications. It is essential that the dentist's treatment plan be adapted to meet individual needs of each patient. The basis for this plan should include a diagnosis as to the extent of the disease and its prognosis; the radiation field and anticipated extent of surgical and/or chemo-therapeutic intervention; and the patients subsequent compliance with recommendations. While considering the literature relative to this subject, this paper also summarizes treatment protocols that are observed by the University of Szeged School of Dentistry for those tumor patients who have undergone radiotherapy, in a country, where the incidence statistics for head and neck tumor mortality and morbidity continue to rank among the world's highest.