Cancer management Flashcards
Radiotherapy
ionising radiation used to kill cancer cells
total dose is delivered over multiple sessions as not all cells dividing at the same time
side effects of radiotherapy
general tiredness
burns - moderate/high dose given to tissue overlying tumours (can be mucosal burns)
hair loss in treatment area
dry mouth/ taste loss if head and neck area
menopause induction in premenopausal women
adjuvant therapy
additional cancer treatment given after the primary treatment to lower the risk of recurrence or metastasis
give 2 examples of adjuvant therapy
hormone treatment
targeted chemotherapy
metastasis prevention
pre cancer treatment dental priorities
oral hygiene
reduce treatment and post treatment complications: remove teeth of dubious prognosis, remove potential sources of infection, remove any factors that might exacerbate mucositis
mucositis
side effect of chemo and radiotherapy seeing inflammation and ulceration of the oral mucosa that is extremely painful
affects eating, speech , and OH ability
general things to avoid in an attempt to reduce effects of mucositis
smoking
tea and coffee
spicy foods
spirits
non prescription mouthwash
name 3 potential treatment/ releiving options for mucositis
topical lignocaine
gelclair
caphosol
aloe vera mouthwash
pseudomembranous candidosis
non adherent white plaques
type of candida infection
will saliva return to normal after radiotherapy
no
what happens do salivary flow, consistency and character of patients who have undergone chemo or radiotherapy of the head and neck region
flow is dramatically decreased, 50 -60% in first week then further 20% in next 5-6 weeks
viscosity increases
pH decreases
consequences of xerostomia
dysphagia
dysarthria (difficulty speaking)
increased risk of caries, perio, candidosis
prosthodontic difficulties
what tooth surface is ‘radiation caries’ most likely to appear on
along the gum line and along biting surfaces
why might trismus appear post cancer treatment
fibrosis of muscles of mastication
