ORAL COMPLICATIONS OF RADIOTHERAPY AND FOOD INTAKE OF IRRADIATED PATIENTS

Abstract

Head and neck carcinomas represent 6% of all types of cancers. Complications from radiation therapy may change the eating routine of patients. Objective: To evaluate the influence of radiotherapy on food intake, using as a parameter the presence of oral complications and a food frequency questionnaire. Study Design: Observational, analytical, and longitudinal design. Methodology: The sample consisted of patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer in T3 and T4 tumor staging, with or without lymphatic invasion, referred by the clinical oncology department of a reference center in northeastern Brazil. The sample was nonprobabilistic for convenience. The specimen, after approval by the ethics committee, was taken before starting radiotherapy (S1) and at the end of the third week (S3). Demographic data, stimulated saliva, food intake evaluation, and presence of mucositis and candidiasis were evaluated according to the literature. Results: When comparing S1 and S3, an increase in the number of cases of mucositis and candidiasis (35%) was observed A total of 85% of the evaluated patients presented with hyposalivation when salivary flow was measured. Conclusion: All food groups were reduced from feeding. This evidence reinforces the importance of the multiprofessional follow-up of patients with cancer. Head and neck carcinomas represent 6% of all types of cancers. Complications from radiation therapy may change the eating routine of patients. Objective: To evaluate the influence of radiotherapy on food intake, using as a parameter the presence of oral complications and a food frequency questionnaire. Study Design: Observational, analytical, and longitudinal design. Methodology: The sample consisted of patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer in T3 and T4 tumor staging, with or without lymphatic invasion, referred by the clinical oncology department of a reference center in northeastern Brazil. The sample was nonprobabilistic for convenience. The specimen, after approval by the ethics committee, was taken before starting radiotherapy (S1) and at the end of the third week (S3). Demographic data, stimulated saliva, food intake evaluation, and presence of mucositis and candidiasis were evaluated according to the literature. Results: When comparing S1 and S3, an increase in the number of cases of mucositis and candidiasis (35%) was observed A total of 85% of the evaluated patients presented with hyposalivation when salivary flow was measured. Conclusion: All food groups were reduced from feeding. This evidence reinforces the importance of the multiprofessional follow-up of patients with cancer.