Salivary gland and associated complications in head and neck cancer therapy.
Xerostomia and salivary gland hypofunction are two of the most common and significant complications of head and neck cancer therapy in the head and neck region. This article will provide a brief overview of salivary gland hypofunction and associated complications in head and neck cancer therapy, mainly in radiation therapy. The discussion will include quality of life issues as well as current advances in cancer therapy to reduce xerostomia and salivary gland hypofunction.
University of Southern California, School of Dentistry, Division of Periodontology, Diagnostic Sciences and Dental Hygiene, Los Angeles 90089-0641, USA.
Satish
S
Kumar
Saravanan
S
Ram
Mahvash
M
Navazesh
D018679:Cholinergic Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000209:etiology; D009909:Oral Health; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012463:Saliva / Q000502:physiology; D012466:Salivary Gland Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000209:etiology; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
D018679:Cholinergic Agonists