title: Oral complications in cancer patients.
abstract: Ionizing radiation used in treating the head and neck area produces oral side effects such as mucositis, salivary changes, trismus and radiation caries. Sequelae of cancer chemotherapy often include oral stomatitis, myelosuppression and immunosuppression. Infections of dental origin in compromised patients are potentially lethal. Specific programs to eliminate dental pathology before radiation and chemotherapy, and to maintain oral hygiene during and after therapy, will minimize these complications.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D003729:Dental Care; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology; D005892:Gingivitis, Necrotizing Ulcerative / Q000209:etiology; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology; D009055:Mouth / Q000473:pathology; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D009336:Necrosis; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010025:Osteoradionecrosis / Q000209:etiology; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents