Oral complications of radiotherapy in the head and neck.
Radiotherapy is a treatment modality largely used for head and neck malignancies. However, high doses of radiation in large areas, including the oral cavity, maxilla, mandible and salivary glands may result in several undesired reactions. Mucositis, candidosis, disgeusia, radiation caries, osteoradionecrosis, soft tissue necrosis and xerostomia are some of radiotherapys complications.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to briefly review the side effects that may be seen in the oral cavity during or after radiotherapy treatment in the head and neck region. BASIC METHOD USED: Review of relevant literature.


METHODS
Literature review.


RESULTS
Radiotherapy is still associated with several side effects, significantly affecting patients quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
A multidisciplinary treatment, including physicians, dentists, speech therapists, nutritionists, and psychologists, is the best alternative to minimize, or even prevent such reactions.
Jham
Bruno Correia
BC
Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil.
da Silva Freire
Addah Regina
AR
D016371:Cranial Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D007571:Jaw Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000528:radiation effects*; D010025:Osteoradionecrosis / Q000209:etiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000150:complications*