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Your Mouth During Oral Cancer Treatment

Each year, many people are treated for oral cancer. Chemotherapy treatments for cancer and radiation treatment for head and neck cancer often cause oral complications. About half of chemotherapy patients experience oral complications, particularly those being treated for leukemia and those who receive bone marrow transplants.

These oral cancer complications significantly decrease quality of life and can lead to serious systemic problems, complications, septicemia, eating difficulty, nutritional deficiencies, and dehydration. The following are descriptions of oral problems that can occur with cancer treatment:

Infections of the oral cavity can be caused by the usual organisms found in the mouth or by opportunistic organisms not usually found in the mouth. These infections can lead to serious systemic infections. The risk is higher for individuals who have reduced numbers of circulating white blood cells (leukopenia).

Candidiasis is the overgrowth of candida albicans, a fungal organism that normally is found in the mouth.

Musositis is painful and causes problems with eating and speaking. Soft tissues are red, ulcerated, and inflamed. The oral cavity is susceptible to mucositis because of its high cell turnover.

Hemorrhage or bleeding of the oral cavity can occur when clotting factors are affected and during bone marrow suppression.

Xerostomia or dry mouth is associated with decreased, sticky, or thickened saliva. Dry soft tissues are more susceptible to pain, infection, and irritation. Dry mouth is associated with a high number of dental caries.

Altered taste or loss of taste is common and is related to the reduced saliva volume, as well as its altered consistency.

Developmental abnormalities such as altered craniofacial growth and dental/tooth deformities occur with cancer treatment during developmental periods.

Trismus, fibrosis, and scarring of the chewing muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ, the joint that moves the lower jaw) that were in the radiation field may make opening the mouth difficult and limited.

Osteoradionecrosis (soft tissue and bone necrosis) can be spontaneous or secondary to trauma, extractions, or dental prostheses. The radiated tissues have reduced blood vessels, decreased cells, and decreased oxygen that predisposes the tissues for years after the radiation therapy to this compromised state that makes oral surgical procedures risky. Therefore, prior to and post oral surgery, patients who have had head and neck radiation may require hyperbaric oxygen treatments and antibiotic therapy to prevent osteoradionecrosis.

Radiation dental caries is a term used for rapid tooth demineralization and severe cavities that occur with head and neck radiation, particularly when the parotid, submandibular, submental, or submaxillary salivary glands are in the radiation field.

Pain accompanies oral infection, mucositis, xerostomia, trismus, dental caries, osteoradionecrosis, candidiasis and dental caries.

To reduce risk for oral cancer complications, a dentist should perform a pretreatment oral examination, as well as necessary dental treatment before initiating chemotherapy or head and neck radiation. It is important that the dentist consult with the physician or oncologist before dental treatment because people who are about to undergo treatments for cancer may be immunosuppressed or thrombocytopenic (blood clotting disorder).

The goals of the dental examination and dental treatment are to eliminate existing or potential oral infection and potential for trauma. Infection, potential infection, and trauma can be associated with soft tissue lesions, decayed or broken teeth, dental implants with poor prognosis, periodontal disease, and poorly fitting full or partial dentures. The oral examination consists of hard and soft tissue examinations, periodontal assessment, and necessary radiographs. Since long-term effects of head and neck cancer radiation treatments will be harmful to the bone in the radiated area (field), patients who undergo head and neck radiation treatment should have teeth and implants with potential for future problems considered for extraction before the cancer treatment begins.

The patient's ability and interest in maintaining oral health, as well as the ability to comply with an oral cancer prevention routine, should be factors that are considered as the dentist develops and discusses dental treatment recommendations with the patient.

By Denise J. Fedele, DMD, MS

Discover How Your Dentist Can Help You With Mouth Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, about 30,000 new cases of mouth cancer will be diagnosed this year, and more than 8,000 people will die from it. Mouth cancer ranks as the sixth most common form of cancer that can affect any part of the mouth or lips. When detected early, the chances for successful treatment are enhanced. If left untreated, it can spread, leading to chronic pain, facial and oral disfigurement, loss of function, and even death. As a result, early detection and diagnosis of mouth cancer is vital.

Smoking and chewing tobacco significantly increase your risk. The carcinogens in tobacco, alcohol, and certain foods are leading risk factors. In fact, if both tobacco and alcohol products are used, one is 15 times at greater risk for developing mouth cancer. Exposure to sun also is linked to mouth cancer. Age, gender, and genetics are factors, too. About 95% of all mouth cancers are diagnosed in people 45 years or older. Men are twice as likely to develop mouth cancer as women.

Mouth Cancer Warning Signs

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately for a thorough screening:

• A persistent sore on your lips, gums, or inside your mouth that doesn't heal within two weeks.
• Repeated bleeding in your mouth without any known cause.
• Swelling, thickening, or lumps in your mouth, neck, lips, or on the tongue, often painless in the early stages.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing food, or difficulty in speaking or moving your tongue or jaw.
• Numbness or pain in your throat or mouth without any known reason.
• Color changes such as white, scaly patches or red lesions inside your mouth or on your lips.

Preventive Measures

Following good oral hygiene practices, eliminating risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol, and scheduling regular dental exams are important to maintaining good oral health. Research also has demonstrated that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables every day is a positive practice.

Dentists screen for mouth cancer during regular routine check-ups. They feel for lumps, tissue changes in your neck, cheeks, head, and mouth and look closely for sores. Early detection of cancer and prompt treatment is critical. Ask your dentist for more information about preventing mouth cancer.

By Richard Rogers, DDS