Abstract
Investigations of the oral function of patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) to the head and neck region are relevant for the overall quality of life. Considering the possible impact of the side-effects on nutrition, the recovery of these patients might be impaired. This study aimed at investigating the oral condition of patients submitted to RT to the head and neck region. A single-center, cross-sectional mixed analysis assessing the oral conditions of patients before RT (group 1) and after 12-months of RT (group 2) was performed. Following inclusion and exclusion criteria consideration, fifty (n=25) patients were included in this study. A calibrated examiner conducted the oral examination, the following variables were assessed: a) DMF index: decayed, missing and filled teeth; b) xerostomia and dysgeusia, subjective assessment of salivary function and taste; c) simplified oral hygiene index – OHI-S, with plaque disclosing solution; d) unstimulated sialometry, assessment of salivary function. Statistical analysis compared the groups considering a significance level of 5%. The group evaluated after 12 months of RT showed high rate of dry mouth (92%) and dysgeusia complaint (72%) while no patient reported in group 1. Statistically significant difference was observed in the comparison of group 1 and 2 regarding DMF index (> 64%), OHI-S index (>38%), and unstimulated sialometry (<70%). Patients submitted to RT to the head and neck region for the treatment of cancer experience oral complications even at 12 months after the last session of RT.
Highlights
Malignant neoplasms of the lip and oral cavity is considered the fourth most common site and the sixth cause of cancer deaths in middle- and low-income countries (Ferlay, 2018)
Negative impacts on oral functions are related to the nature of the treatment of these cancers, to the mutilation aspect of resective surgeries, and to the morbidity associated with localized radiation therapy (Rajesh, 2017), including dysphagia (Jacqui, 2020), gustatory disorder (José, 2019), oral mucositis (Karthika, 2015; Pierfrancesco, 2017), xerostomia (Punita, 2018; Kaae, 2019), osteoradionecrosis (Buglione, 2016), increased risk of dental caries (Janaine, 2014), and opportunistic fungal infections (Corvò, 2008; Spencer, 2004)
Patients scheduled for the treatment of cancer through radiotherapy to the head and neck region and patients who underwent the mentioned treatment 12 months before screening, at Napoleão Laureano Hospital, João Pessoa, Brazil, were eligible to participate in the study
Summary
Malignant neoplasms of the lip and oral cavity is considered the fourth most common site and the sixth cause of cancer deaths in middle- and low-income countries (Ferlay, 2018). The 2018 worldwide estimation of deaths and new cases regarding the oral region were 177,384 and 354,864, respectively (Ferlay, 2018; Aamod, 2020). These sites attract more attention to potential oral complications, pharynx and larynx are highly prevalent and associated with these concerns (PDQ Screening and Prevention Editorial Board, 2020), Research, Society and Development, v. Negative impacts on oral functions are related to the nature of the treatment of these cancers, to the mutilation aspect of resective surgeries, and to the morbidity associated with localized radiation therapy (Rajesh, 2017), including dysphagia (Jacqui, 2020), gustatory disorder (José, 2019), oral mucositis (Karthika, 2015; Pierfrancesco, 2017), xerostomia (Punita, 2018; Kaae, 2019), osteoradionecrosis (Buglione, 2016), increased risk of dental caries (Janaine, 2014), and opportunistic fungal infections (Corvò, 2008; Spencer, 2004)
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