Oral Complications Associated with Radiation and Chemotherapy Flashcards
An abnormal growth of cells which tend
to proliferate in an uncontrolled way
and, in some cases, to metastasize
(spread).
Cancer
T/F: Decreased alcohol and tobacco use has has a
significant effect on the incidence of SSC in the oral
cavity
True
What is the number 1 risk factor for oropharyhgeal cancer?
HPV
Which HPV types are associated with oropharyngeal SCC?
HPV 16 and 18
Does HPV cancers occur early or later in life?
Earlier: 40-59 yrs
THE ONLY WAY TO DEFINITIVELY DIAGNOSE ORAL PATHOLOGY IS WITH A \_\_\_\_\_\_
BIOPSY
All the tissue between the portals receives the same
dose
Fixed beam radiation
A constantly moving beam administers different
amounts of radiation to the tissues
The tumor receives the highest amount of
radiation.
Minimal amounts of radiation are applied to vital
structures. (spinal cord, salivary glands)
Intensity Modulated Radiation
Therapy
The application of radiation therapy in smaller
consecutive doses to minimize the lethal effects and limit
the side effects of the therapy.
The dose is usually administered 5 times a week for 5 to
7 consecutive weeks.
Fractionation
What are the 5 Rs of fractionation?
Repair Redistribution Repopulation Reoxygenation Radiosensitivity
What radiation complication is the biggest issue in pts?
Xerostomia and dental caries
Hypofunction can occur when exposed radiation
doses as low as ___ Gy
25 Gy
Are Serous glands or mucous glands more sensitive to radiation?
Serous
Do dental caries progress more quickly or slower in radiation pts?
Quicker
Sugar alcohol originally derived from birch trees
Commercially produced from corn cobs (xylan)
Caries causing bacteria are unable to metabolize it
Ingesting 6-8 grams daily can decreased caries
Frequency of use more important than quantity
Available as a packaged sweetener or in gums, mints,
candies and oral rinses
Xylitol
Cholinergic agonist
5-10mg tid
Max dose 30mg/day
May take 12 weeks to see results
- Affects bp and HR
- Best tx for xerostomia
Pilocarpine hydrochloride