Late Oral Complications Caused by Head and Neck Radiotherapy: Clinical and Laboratory Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Oral Medicine
• Radiotherapy Research

Background:

• Head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy are susceptible to long-term oral complications.
• Understanding the prevalence and nature of these complications is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of late oral complications in patients treated with radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.
• To analyze the association between oral complications and the post-radiotherapy period.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, observational study involving 55 patients who completed radiotherapy at least 6 months prior.
• Clinical and laboratory assessments for xerostomia, hyposalivation, and oral candidiasis.
• Comparison with an age- and gender-matched control group using statistical analysis (Pearson's Chi-square or Fischer's exact test).

Main Results:

• High prevalence of xerostomia (81.8%) and hyposalivation (80%) was observed.
• Oral candidiasis affected 27.2% of patients, with Candida albicans being the most common cause.
• Xerostomia and hyposalivation were significantly more frequent in the radiotherapy group compared to controls (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Xerostomia and hyposalivation are the most common late oral complications following head and neck radiotherapy.
• Oral candidiasis is also a significant complication, though less prevalent.
• Mandatory long-term dental follow-up is essential for patients who have undergone head and neck radiotherapy.