Dental Care for Cancer Patients in the Prevention of Complications of Chemotherapy and Head and Neck Radiation Therapy

Authors

  • Gagik Hakobyan Head of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan, Armenia Author
  • Davit Mathevosyan Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Yerevan State Medical University after M Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47363/JTSR/2024(3)127

Keywords:

Dental Care, Prevention of Oral Complications, Head and Neck Cancer, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy

Abstract

Introduction

Hundreds of thousands of patients annually receive anticancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy. All conditions are being created to maintain the quality of life of people who are successfully fighting this serious illness [1,2].

Cancer therapy can cause specific diseases of the oral cavity, which require special knowledge of dentists. Chemotherapy and head and neck radiation therapy can affect the entire body, including the teeth and gums. Side effects of treatment may include inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth (mucositis), infections, changes in taste, dry mouth, pain, tooth decay, gum disease and mouth ulcers [3,4]. 

Modern dentistry solves problems in the oral cavity of patients before, during and after treatment of cancer, incl. dental problems that may accompany chemotherapy and radiation therapy. New diagnostic and treatment methods have changed the prognosis of life expectancy and quality of life [5].

Treatment of malignant tumors of the oropharyngeal region at the present stage is based on the principles of a multidisciplinary approach, which makes it possible to reduce the volume of surgical interventions, and in some cases even avoid them [6].

Author Biographies

  • Gagik Hakobyan, Head of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan, Armenia

    Gagik Hakobyan, Head of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan, Armenia.

  • Davit Mathevosyan, Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Yerevan State Medical University after M Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia

    Gagik Hakobyan, Head of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan, Armenia.

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Published

2025-12-02

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2024): volume 3 issue 1

Section

Articles