ORAL LESIONS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN SURVIVORS OF BREAST CANCER

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of oral lesions and associated factors among survivors of breast cancer (BC). A cross-sectional study involving 150 survivors of BC was conducted at a public hospital in southern Brazil. Data were collected on socioeconomic aspects, treatment characteristics, and oral problems. The Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index and the occurrence of oral lesions (OLs) were evaluated. Logistic regression was performed to determine independent variables associated with the outcome. Twenty-four percent of the women had at least 1 OL and 33.3% of these women had more than 1 lesion. Melanotic macule was the most prevalent lesion. Duration of tamoxifen use, radiotherapy, missing teeth, and xerostomia were associated with the occurrence of OLs (P< .05). In the adjusted analysis, women with more than 13 missing teeth and xerostomia, respectively, had 2.39 (95% CI, 1.06-5.40) and 2.71 (95% CI, 1.14-6.42) greater odds of exhibiting OLs. Approximately one-fourth of the survivors of BC exhibited oral lesions, which were associated with tooth loss and xerostomia. These findings could assist in the establishment of oral health strategies for women with breast cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of oral lesions and associated factors among survivors of breast cancer (BC). A cross-sectional study involving 150 survivors of BC was conducted at a public hospital in southern Brazil. Data were collected on socioeconomic aspects, treatment characteristics, and oral problems. The Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index and the occurrence of oral lesions (OLs) were evaluated. Logistic regression was performed to determine independent variables associated with the outcome. Twenty-four percent of the women had at least 1 OL and 33.3% of these women had more than 1 lesion. Melanotic macule was the most prevalent lesion. Duration of tamoxifen use, radiotherapy, missing teeth, and xerostomia were associated with the occurrence of OLs (P< .05). In the adjusted analysis, women with more than 13 missing teeth and xerostomia, respectively, had 2.39 (95% CI, 1.06-5.40) and 2.71 (95% CI, 1.14-6.42) greater odds of exhibiting OLs. Approximately one-fourth of the survivors of BC exhibited oral lesions, which were associated with tooth loss and xerostomia. These findings could assist in the establishment of oral health strategies for women with breast cancer.