Oral Cancer Care

Question 1

what is mucositis?

Answer 1

acute inflammation of the mucosa
white/yellow fibrinous slough and ulceration with bleeding
unpleasant odour

Question 2

what does mucositis cause?

when does it heal?

Answer 2

hard to speak/eat/swallow
cant tolerate prosthesis
heals 2-3 weeks post cancer tx

Question 3

how to treat mucositis?

Answer 3

soft tb
chx
hydrogen peroxide
topical analgesics
soft, bland, non cariogenic diet @ low temp
avoid alcohol and tobacco

Question 4

how might the salivary glands be affected after cancer tx?

Answer 4

reduced secretions 3/4 days after tx
increases susceptibility to infection
increased risk of demineralisation
dry friable mucosa that cant tolerate prosthesis

Question 5

what are radiation caries and how do you treat them?

Answer 5

exposed roots suscpetible
daily F/2800 TP
saliva substitue
non cariogenic diet

Question 6

what is osteonecrosis of the jaw?

Answer 6

damage to the bone cells/vessels in bone. Change in endothelial cells = sclerosis of vessels

Question 7

what is dysgensia?

Answer 7

altered/loss of taste
regained 2-4 months after tx
zinc dietary supplements

Question 8

what is trismus?

Answer 8

opening of mouth is difficult
occurs 3-6 months after tx
exercise and stretching appliances

Question 9

how to give chx after cancer tx?

Answer 9

2x daily
no tb = 3-4x daily
dilute = 10ml MW:10ml water
stagger use of chx/nystatin by at least one hour

Question 10

how to clean the oral tissues with chx?

Answer 10

sponge/gauze dipped in chx and use to gently clean

cant tolerate chx 0.9%