Oral alterations and oral health-related quality of life assessment in patients undergoing chemotherapy at a tertiary care center.

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the oral alterations and oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients undergoing chemotherapy for malignancies other than oral cancer. Oral alterations were studied by careful clinical examination prior to and at the end of three cycles of chemotherapy in 100 patients. OHRQoL was assessed by oral health impact profile (OHIP)-14 questionnaire. Fifty-four patients developed oral complications among which oral mucositis and pigmentation were the most commonly observed. OHRQoL was hampered in all patients as indicated by higher postchemotherapy scores as compared to prechemotherapy scores (P<.0001). Postchemotherapy scores were higher for patients who developed visible oral changes as compared to those who did not (P=.001). There was a weak positive correlation between the number of oral alterations and postchemotherapy scores for OHRQoL. Our study emphasizes the role of oral physicians in the healthcare team delivering chemotherapeutic treatment as regular oral examination, and timely symptomatic treatment is important for the overall well-being of the patient.