Orofacial complaints and complications of chemotherapy

Abstract

effects, involving paraneoplastic mechanisms. Pain secondary to cancer therapy varies with the treatment modalities used: chemo-radiotherapy protocols are typically associated with painful mucositis and neurotoxicity. Surgical therapies often result in nerve and ABSTRACT Background: Oral complications of chemotherapy are sometimes unnoticed and if not treated, they can compromise patients’ health and quality of life. Methods: This study aimed to assess and characterize orofacial complaints and complications, and their impact on the oral-health-related quality of life in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy. Results: We evaluated 28 patients with solid tumors undergoing chemotherapy, through a systematic orofacial evaluation. Eighteen patients (64.2%) developed oral complications during chemotherapy and xerostomia scored the highest incidence n = 14 (50%). About oral health data, gingival index revealed greater part of patients classified with moderate or severe gingival inflammation. The mean plaque index was 25.6%. The mean CPOD index was 15.48 and was worse in patients without oral complications. The patients presented higher plaque index and the oral health impact profile showed higher mean index in the patients group that developed oral complications. Conclusion: These data reinforce the crucial role of the dentist in the multidisciplinary team, with crucial suport in the diagnosis of oral complications. Thus, a specific assistance and relieve of patient’s complaints could impact positively on quality of life.