SEVERE MUCOSITIS AND ORAL COMPLICATIONS IN A LEUKEMIC PEDIATRIC PATIENT

Abstract

The aim of this study is to report a case of a pediatric patient with severe oral mucositis, toothache, and gingivitis as a consequence of chemotherapy (CTX) treatment. An 11-year-old female patient diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia was referred to the dentistry service because of suspension of CTX due to oral lesions. The patient reported oral pain and toothache and was not performing oral hygiene tasks. On intraoral examination, there were erythematous, atrophic, desquamative, and ulcerated lesions with pseudomembrane on the tongue and buccal and labial mucosa. There was also gingival bleeding, decayed teeth, and pulp exposure in the upper left first molar. Oral hygiene instructions, prescription of salivary substitute, topical antifungal, and low-level laser therapy were performed. The complete adequacy of oral cavity was assessed. The introduction of dentistry in the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with cancer is extremely important for the prevention, control, and treatment of oral complications from CTX.