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The mouth and palliative care
1University of Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, Scotland.
The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care
|June 16, 2001
Summary
Patients with advanced cancer frequently experience oral health issues like dry mouth (xerostomia) and infections. This review covers common oral complications and suggests management strategies for terminally ill cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Oral Medicine
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Oral complications are prevalent in advanced cancer patients.
- Limited research exists on managing these oral issues.
- Palliative care requires addressing oral health for patient comfort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common oral complications in advanced cancer.
- To discuss xerostomia (dry mouth) in terminally ill patients.
- To provide evidence-based management strategies for oral issues.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on oral complications in advanced cancer.
- Synthesis of information on xerostomia, oral candidosis, viral infections, mucositis, and taste alterations.
- Identification of suggested management regimes based on available clinical data.
Main Results:
- Xerostomia is a significant issue for terminally ill cancer patients.
- Oral candidosis, viral infections, and mucositis are common.
- Chemotherapy and radiotherapy contribute to oral complications.
- Alterations in taste sensation also affect cancer patients.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive understanding of oral complications is crucial in advanced cancer care.
- Management strategies, though based on limited data, can improve patient quality of life.
- Further clinical trials are needed to refine treatment protocols for oral health in oncology.