Oral surgery in patients undergoing chemoradiation therapy

Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2014 May;26(2):193-207. doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2014.01.006.

Abstract

Oral health care in patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy can be complex. Care delivered by a multidisciplinary approach is timely and streamlines the allocation of resources to provide prompt care and to attain favorable outcomes. A hospital dentist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and a maxillofacial prosthodontist must be involved early to prevent avoidable oral complications. Prevention and thorough preparation are vital before the start of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Oral complications must be addressed immediately and, even with the best management, can cause delays and interruption in treatment, with serious consequences for the outcome and prognosis.

Keywords: Cancer; Chemotherapy; Head and neck radiation therapy; Interruption; Oral complications; Oral surgery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemoradiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Mouth Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Oral Surgical Procedures*
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors