Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2020 May;40(3):238-250.
doi: 10.1111/scd.12469. Epub 2020 May 7.

Radiotherapy-induced oral morbidities in head and neck cancer patients

Sudhir Bhandari  1 , Bhavita Wadhwa Soni  1 , Amit Bahl  2 , Sushmita Ghoshal  2
Affiliations
Review

Radiotherapy-induced oral morbidities in head and neck cancer patients

Sudhir Bhandari et al. Spec Care Dentist. 2020 May.

Abstract

The cumulative effect of radiation and the extent of related morbidities on oral tissues are enormous and increase over time. The numerous radiation-related side effects have a strong, negative influence on the oral functions and are responsible for a drastic reduction in the oral-health-related quality of life of the cancer survivors. In a significant deviation to the earlier approach of advising extraction of all remaining teeth before RT, the concept of preserving a maximum number of teeth in a state of health and for better oral functions postcancer cure has been globally accepted and is adhered to. The effects of radiation and their impact on the general well-being of the patients underscore the relevance of understanding the sequelae of radiation therapy on healthy oral tissues, preexisting oral diseases and their progression, impact on oral treatment needs, limitations in performing the indicated treatment, and shortcoming in treatment outcomes. It is vital for the professionals involved in head and neck cancer care to follow a well-devised referral system for oral care before and after RT and educate patients for a life-long follow-up.

Keywords: head and neck cancer; oral health; osteoradionecrosis; radiation caries; radiotherapy; trismus.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

REFERENCES

    1. Bourhis J, Etessami A, Lusinchi A. New trends in radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Ann Oncol. 2005;16(suppl 2):255-257.
    1. Awwad HK, Lotayef M, Shonman T, et al. Accelerated hyperfractionation (AHF) compared to conventional fractionation (CF) in the postoperative radiotherapy of locally advanced head and neck cancer: influence of proliferation. Br J Cancer. 2002;86:517-523.
    1. Hancock PJ, Epstein JB, Sadler GR. Oral and dental management related to radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. J Can Dent Assoc. 2003;69:585-590.
    1. Sciubba JJ, Goldenberg D. Oral complications of radiotherapy. Lancet Oncol. 2006;7:175-183.
    1. Vissink A, Jansma J, Spijkervet FKL, Burlage FR, Coppes RP. Oral sequelae of head and neck radiotherapy. Crit Rev Oral Biol Med. 2003;4:199-212.

LinkOut - more resources