Evaluation of oral health status and quality of life of head and neck cancer patients after radiation therapy
Introduction. Neoplasm of the head and neck can be treated surgically, by radiation, chemotherapy, or using combination of these methods. In contrast to surgical and radiation treatment which mostly have a local effect, chemotherapy in addition to local have also a systemic effect. Both XRT...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Serbian Medical Society - Dental Section, Belgrade
2014-01-01
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| Series: | Stomatološki glasnik Srbije |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0039-1743/2014/0039-17431401014S.pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction. Neoplasm of the head and neck can be treated surgically, by
radiation, chemotherapy, or using combination of these methods. In contrast
to surgical and radiation treatment which mostly have a local effect,
chemotherapy in addition to local have also a systemic effect. Both XRT in
oral region and chemotherapy can affect oral health. The aim of this study
was to assess the oral health status and quality of life in patients with
head and neck cancer after receiving radiation therapy. Material and Methods.
Quantitative, analytical and cross-sectional research methods along with the
application of UW-QOL questionnaire version 4, were used. Seventy one
patients of the outpatient facilities at two cancer hospitals in the state of
Paraнba, Brazil, were included in the study. Oral health status was evaluated
using the Lockhart and Clark criteria. Linear Poisson and Logistic Regression
tests were applied to assess associations between the variables using a
significance level of 5%. Results. Of the total number of patients, 71.83%
were male, the average age was 62 years and 57.74% were non-Caucasian. The
group that received dental monitoring and follow-up attained the highest
(830.13) Quality of life scores, including: “pain” (93.13) and “taste”
(83.07). The highest score for oral health in the group that did not receive
dental monitoring and follow-up treatment was 4.08 for “oral hygiene”.
Conclusion. Dental monitoring and follow-up should begin before radiation
therapy, given that both the illness and methods used for the treatment
negatively affect patients’ quality of life. |
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| ISSN: | 0039-1743 1452-3701 |