oral cancer management

Question 1

what is mucositis?

Answer 1

acute inflammation of mucosa
white/yellow fibrinous slough with ulceration and bleeding
- unpleasant odour, painful, cant tolerate prosthesis

Question 2

when does mucositis heal?

Answer 2

heals 2-3 weeks post cancer tx

Question 3

tx of mucositis?

Answer 3

soft TB and F
chx MW if cant brush
dilute hypochlorite half anf half
use gauze/sponge to apply MW
topical analgesics/anti inflammatory rinses gels or ointment
soft bland non cariogenic diet
avoid alcohol and tobacco

Question 4

when does salivary gland secretions slow down after radiotherapy?
tx?

Answer 4

reduced secretion 3-4 days after tx begins
dry friable mucosa
prilocarpine 50mg 3 x daily

Question 5

why are fungal infections likely in cancer patients?

Answer 5

hyposalivation and changes in saliva compositions

Question 6

what is osteoradionecrosis?

Answer 6

damage to bone cells and blood vessels in bone. Change in endothelial cells leads to sclerosis in the vessels.
Change in growth potential and lowered infection resistance

Question 7

signs of osteoradionecrosis?

Answer 7

pain
trismus
exposed bone
halitosis
suppuration

Question 8

management of osteoradionecrosis?

Answer 8

hyperbarric oxygen
poss extended antibiotics
manintain good oral hygiene

Question 9

what is dysgeusia?

Answer 9

altered loss of taste/taste loss
regained 2-4 months after salivary flow is adequate again
-dietary supplements of zinc

Question 10

what is trismus and when does it occur?

Answer 10

3-6 months after tx

opening of mouth is difficult and painful