title: Oral mucositis. Review of literature.
abstract: The standard treatment for malignant neoplasia of the cervicofacial area is surgery in association with radio- and/or chemotherapy. These therapies can cause local and systemic complications. Mucositis is the most common dose-correlated complication to the oral cavity. It is particularly difficult to treat in patients who are already physically and psychologically exhausted by the tumoral pathology. This study illustrates, through a review of the literature, the attack rate, the pathogenesis and the clinical course of the mucositis, as well as the correct dental approach and clinical-therapeutic management of these patients, with the aim of improving the quality of their lives.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Italy. scardina@odonto.unipa.it
authors.forename: Giuseppe Alessandro
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Scardina
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pisano
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Messina
mesh_terms: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016371:Cranial Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017679:Cryotherapy; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D052016:Mucositis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009067:Mouthwashes; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor