Oral health needs of the head and neck radiotherapy patient: 2. Oral and dental care before, during and after radiotherapy

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 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. Treatment comprises ablative surgery with, in 60% of cases, radiotherapy. The oral and dental sequelae of such treatment, and their management, is described.

Clinical relevance: 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. As well, the GDP has a vital, proactive role to play in supportive care before, during and following surgery and radiotherapy.