LASER THERAPY AS ADJUNCTIVE TREATMENT FOR ORAL MUCOSITIS IN A PEDIATRIC PATIENT WITH NON-HODGKIN LYMPHOMA

Abstract

Lymphomas represent the third most common type of cancer in young people, classified into non-Hodgkin (NHL) or Hodgkin lymphoma. NHL arises when B or T cells, which are involved in the protection, become malignant, growing uncontrollably, "contaminating" the lymphatic system. Characterized by a high degree of malignancy with pathology and immunology of different characteristics. Radiotherapy or chemotherapy are treatments performed for this disease, which may lead to oral manifestations because of its cytotoxicity. A 13-year-old male patient diagnosed as having NHL presented during treatment white pseudomembrane and erythematous ulcers, painful to the touch in regions of the buccal mucosa and bilateral border of the tongue, suggestive of mucositis. As a therapeutic option, we performed photodynamic and low-level laser therapy in association with pharmacologic and local hygiene because of immunosuppression, obtaining remission of the lesions after 7 days. Laser therapy is a noninvasive, adjuvant tool that promotes analgesic, anti-inflammatory and biostimulating effects. Lymphomas represent the third most common type of cancer in young people, classified into non-Hodgkin (NHL) or Hodgkin lymphoma. NHL arises when B or T cells, which are involved in the protection, become malignant, growing uncontrollably, "contaminating" the lymphatic system. Characterized by a high degree of malignancy with pathology and immunology of different characteristics. Radiotherapy or chemotherapy are treatments performed for this disease, which may lead to oral manifestations because of its cytotoxicity. A 13-year-old male patient diagnosed as having NHL presented during treatment white pseudomembrane and erythematous ulcers, painful to the touch in regions of the buccal mucosa and bilateral border of the tongue, suggestive of mucositis. As a therapeutic option, we performed photodynamic and low-level laser therapy in association with pharmacologic and local hygiene because of immunosuppression, obtaining remission of the lesions after 7 days. Laser therapy is a noninvasive, adjuvant tool that promotes analgesic, anti-inflammatory and biostimulating effects.