Indications for and referrals to oral care for cancer patients in a county hospital

Abstract

This retrospective study reports oral signs, symptoms, oral care and pattern of referrals to dentistry in 188 patients with haematological malignancies, head and neck cancer and small cell lung cancer in a Swedish county hospital in 1990-1992. Oral signs and symptoms were noted in 81% of the physicians' records and in 36% of the nurses' records for the 167 patients who received antineoplastic treatment. Notes on oral care were found in 14% of the nurses' records. Before the start of medical treatment, 73 patients (44%) were referred to dentistry and 19 patients (11%) were referred for acute problems. All patients receiving intensive cytotoxic treatment were referred to dentistry. A total of 16% of patients receiving moderate or mild cytotoxic treatment developed oral problems necessitating acute referral to dentistry. Dental personnel should be involved in the treatment of all patients who are scheduled to start cytotoxic treatment.