Managing complications of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients: Part I. Management of xerostomia.
Head and neck cancer is becoming a more recognizable pathology to the general population and dentists. The modes of treatment include surgery and/or radiation therapy. Where possible, pretreatment dental assessment shall be provided for these patients before they receive radiation therapy. There are occasions, however, whereby head and neck cancer patients are not prepared optimally for radiation therapy. Because of this, they succumb to complicated oral adverse effects after radiation therapy. Part I of this series reviews the management of xerostomia. The management of the effect of xerostomia to the dentition/oral cavity is discussed in Part II.
Ngeow
Wei Cheong
WC
Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ngeowy@um.edu.my
Chai
Wen Lin
WL
Rahman
Roslan Abdul
RA
Ramli
Roszalina
R
D002638:Chewing Gum; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010862:Pilocarpine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D012464:Saliva, Artificial / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012472:Salivation / Q000187:drug effects; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*
D002638:Chewing Gum; D009067:Mouthwashes; D010276:Parasympatholytics; D012464:Saliva, Artificial; D010862:Pilocarpine