Dentistry and the cancer patient: Part 2--Oral health management of the chemotherapy patient.

Abstract

The increase in the incidence of head and neck cancer has been accompanied by a more widespread use of chemotherapy. As a result, the dental community has frequent contact with patients who are undergoing or have undergone chemotherapy. In many of these patients, immunosuppression leads to an increased risk of infection, and the chemotherapeutic agents themselves can cause a variety of oral complications. The dentist must be familiar with available treatments for managing these conditions and for preventing further deterioration of oral and systemic health.