Abstract

MENEZES, Ana Carolina; ROSMANINHO, Érika; RAPOSO, Bárbara  and  ALENCAR, Maria José dos S.. Clinical and therapeutic approach of radiotherapy and chemotherapy induced oral mucositis in cancer patients. Rev. Bras. Odontol. [online]. 2014, vol.71, n.1, pp. 35-38. ISSN 1984-3747.

Cancer is a severe pathology and its treatment generally includes radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery or a combination of them. The diagnosis, pre-treatment and treatment are extremely important to prevent the aftereffects and to provide better life quality to these patients. Oral mucositis is one of the most significant side effects in the therapy against cancer. The risk of developing this condition, its severity and duration depends on the type of the treatment performed, age, genetic predisposition, general health, oral hygiene, salivary secretory function, nutrition, smoking habit, alcohol abuse and other. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Concurrent use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy results in more severe and prolonged mucositis. The aim of this study is to describe the mechanisms of oral mucositis, its risk factors, symptoms and possible treatments.

Keywords : Mucositis; Cancer; Dental prothesis; Radiotherapy; Chemotherapy..