Radiotherapy-Associated Oral Lesions in a Geriatric Patient with Nasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report

Patients who receive chemotherapy or radiotherapy may experience oral complications such as oral mucositis, xerostomia, dental caries, periodontal disease, tissue fibrosis, opportunistic infections of the mucous membranes, neurosensory disorders, loss of taste, osteoradionecrosis, and trismus. This complication often causes high morbidity, oral frailty, and decreased quality of life. Oral mucositis is a common side effect of radiotherapy and often causes nutritional disorders and interruption in treatment.

This case report shows topical management in radiotherapy-treated geriatric patients with multiple oral lesions. It also shows the effectiveness of topical therapy for oral lesions in this case.

A 76-year-old male patient underwent radiotherapy for stage 4 nasal squamous cell carcinoma. After 22 radiotherapy sessions, the patient developed oral mucositis Grade 3 based on WHO criteria, characterized by painful ulcers, trismus, and dysphagia.

The patient was given topical drug therapy with a combination of 0.9% NaCl compress, 0.025% hyaluronic acid mouthwash, and petroleum jelly. Significant improvement was observed within five days, and resolution of oral mucositis occurred at the third visit.

Management of oral lesions in geriatric patients receiving radiotherapy or chemotherapy is useful to prevent disruption of treatment and reduce the risk of oral frailty.