OCCURRENCE OF ORAL CANDIDIASIS IN PATIENTS WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCER SUBMITTED TO ANTINEOPLASTIC TREATMENTS

Abstract

Objective To assess the frequency of candidiasis in patients with head and neck cancer submitted to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Study Design This is a cross-sectional study consisting of a nonprobabilistic sample of patients with oral candidiasis diagnosed in a convenience group. Data were collected on people with oral candidiasis, such as sex, age, and type of treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both), as well as the location and clinical diagnosis of the type of candidiasis. Results Of the total 36 patients that met the inclusion criteria, 16 presented candidiasis (44.4%). Eleven individuals (68.75%) were of male sex, and 7 (43.75%) were between the fifth and sixth decades of life. The most prevalent type of candidiasis was pseudomembranous (87.5%), and the most affected site was the hard palate (50%). Of the 16 patients with oral candidiasis, 14 (87.5%) underwent radiotherapy associated with chemotherapy, while 2 (12.5%) only underwent radiotherapy. Conclusion Oral candidiasis is a very common clinical condition in patients with neoplasia submitted to antineoplastic treatments. The presence of the dental surgeon in the multidisciplinary team that follows up oncologic patients is relevant, as it may help in the prevention and treatment of candidiasis and other clinical conditions.