Oral health needs of the head and neck radiotherapy patient: 1. Epidemiology, effects of radiotherapy and role of the GDP in diagnosis

Abstract

Head and neck cancer represents a heterogeneous group of neoplasms affecting a number of sites in the aerodigestive tract, histologically primarily epithelial in type. Most are sensitive to a treatment regime of ablative surgery followed by radiotherapy. The incidence in Ireland of head and neck cancers is approximately 11.8 per 100,000 population and is the 8th commonest cancer in males and the 16th in females. Many of these cancers will manifest with oral signs and symptoms thus placing the GDP in the unique position of being able to detect and positively influence outcomes: the GDP also has a vital, proactive role to play in supportive care before, during and following surgery and radiotherapy.

Clinical relevance: The aim of this paper is to review the rationale for the different treatment modalities and the oral/dental side-effects of each.