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Sequential changes in oral dryness evaluated by a moisture-checking device in patients with oropharyngeal cancer
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kusunoki-cho 7-5-1, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan, Tel: +81-78-382-6213; Fax: +81-78-382-6229;
Purpose:
Although oral dryness is a predictor for oral mucositis caused by Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for head and neck cancer, there have been few reports evaluating the sequential changes in oral dryness during therapy. Studies have determined the reliability and usefulness of a moisture-checking device for the evaluation of dry mouth. This study aimed to evaluate the oral moisture level in patients with Oropharyngeal Cancer (OPC) during CRT using a moisture-checking device.
Methods:
Oral moisture level was measured with an oral moisture-checking device (Moisture Checker Mucus®) at the lingual and buccal mucosa before, at the midpoint, and at the end of CRT in patients with OPC. Sequential changes in oral dryness were evaluated.
Results:
A significant decrease in oral moisture level at the lingual mucosa was found when comparing values before and at the end of CRT (P=0.017). Decreases in oral moisture level at the buccal mucosa were not significant.
Conclusions:
A moisture-checking device is considered a useful tool for determining the sequential changes in oral dryness during CRT for head and neck cancer. Our findings provide a basis for future larger long-term studies of oral moisture levels in OPC patients receiving CRT.
