Managing patients undergoing radiation
Article Abstract:
A case report is presented of a 66-year-old man undergoing radiation therapy for malignancies of the tongue and throat who also needed dental treatment. The report is cited to illustrate some important issues for dentists who treat patients while they receive radiation therapy. Treatment goals should attempt to control pain and infection, control disease, carry out restorations as needed, and provide for re-evaluation and recall of patients. Patients should be helped to be positive about dental care during this period. The patient in the case report had smoked tobacco and drunk alcohol for years before his surgery, and continued to do so during his dental treatment. In addition, he had poor oral hygiene, which led to the dentist's establishing preservation of the remaining teeth as a main goal. A consultation took place with the radiation oncologist after radiation therapy had started and the radiotherapy treatment plan was reviewed. The patient developed candidiasis (a fungal infection) of the gums, and failed to fill a prescription for an antifungal oral rinse solution. Shortly thereafter, the patient discontinued treatment, but returned a few months later with pain. Root caries (decay in the tooth roots) was present in every tooth. Two teeth were extracted, and the remaining teeth were restored. The patient's oral hygiene remained poor and the condition of his teeth deteriorated further. It was decided to extract all the remaining teeth. When the patient's family was contacted one year later for follow-up, it was learned that he had died of complications of cancer. The patient's teeth had been initially diagnosed as sound by an oral surgeon; however, consultation with a general dentist is needed in such cases. More interaction between dentists and radiation oncologists should take place, preferably before radiation therapy begins. Other factors that made this case difficult, including the patient's poor attitude, are discussed. However, this attitude improved somewhat toward the end of treatment. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1991
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Current management of oral cancer: a multidisciplinary approach
Article Abstract:
Doctors describe the treatment of mouth cancer as of 2001. Treatment includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy and should be coordinated by a medical team that includes oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, dentists, speech pathologists, and dietitians.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 2001
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Optical device helps detect oral cancer
Article Abstract:
A hand held device called visually enhanced lesion scope that can detect oral cancer is discussed.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 2006
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