Oral status of patients in need of cancer chemotherapy

Abstract

The prevalence and detection of cancer in the world is steadily increasing. The most common methods of treating malignant neoplasms are chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Patients undergoing this treatment often experience oral complications. The most common complication is oral mucositis. According to the literature, the probability of its occurrence is from 20 to 80% [2, 3]. Oral mucositis and other complications have a negative impact on the quality of life of cancer patients. They face pain, difficulty eating, swallowing, and damage to the oral mucosa increase the risk of secondary infection.Aim. Evaluation of the dental status of oncological patients starting chemotherapy treatment.Material and methods. The study involved 94 patients aged 45 to 59, who were divided into three groups: 1 – malignant neoplasms of the maxillofacial region (n = 23), 2 – gastrointestinal tract (n = 39), 3 – breast (n = 32). To determine the dental status, the values of the DFM, PMA, OHI-s indices, as well as local factors contributing to the aggravation of the oral cavity (metal structures, sharp edges of the teeth) were studied. To assess the awareness of patients about the rules and methods of maintaining an individual hygienic state of the oral cavity, a survey of patients was conducted.Results. The dental status of cancer patients was assessed. The average value of the DFM index in group I is 13.3 (high), in group II – 11.4 (high), in group III – 5.7 (medium). The average value of the OHI-S index in group I was 3.8 (poor), in group II it was 3.1 (poor), in group III it was 1.7 (poor). The average value of the PMA index in group I was 67 (severe degree of inflammation), in group II – 55.6 (moderate degree of inflammation), in group III – 30.8 (moderate degree of inflammation). According to the survey, low awareness of patients about the means and methods of monitoring individual oral hygiene was revealed. Risk factors have been identified in the form of sharp edges of teeth and metal structures that can contribute to the development of severe complications from the oral cavity during chemotherapy treatment.Conclusion. According to the results of the study, an unsatisfactory dental status of patients with oncological diseases of various localization was revealed. The need for control by dentists is shown.