Oral Manifestations in a Chemistry and Radiotherapy Patient in the Head and Neck Region - Clinical Case Report

Abstract

Oral cancer complications are among the most devastating in the short and long term, as they affect humans in their most basic activities, such as speaking and eating. The objective of this work is to report a case report highlighting the main oral manifestations of a patient with oropharyngeal cancer undergoing chemo and radiotherapy. A 48-year-old male patient came to the Morgana Potrich College clinic after head and neck cancer treatment, as he was advised to seek periodic follow-up from the dentist, difficulty swallowing and dry mouth sensation, as well as sporadic episodes of candidiasis. The clinical examination showed the presence of all teeth, some with well-adapted restorations and prosthetic crowns. On physical examination, the mucous membranes were in normal conditions, highlighting only the characteristic of dry mouth. During the follow-up of this patient, after one year after the end of the cancer treatment, he no longer presented mucositis, had recurrences of candidiasis, treated with nystatin. The main complaint, xerostomia, was softened with the use of gums, contributing to better patient nutrition and well-being. The oral manifestations resulting from chemo and radiotherapy affect the patient's quality of life, therefore the importance of following the dentist before, during and after cancer treatment.