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Hospital and oncological dental care: a series of cases

Assistência odontológica hospitalar e oncológica: uma série de casos

ABTRACT

Hospital dental care is an educational and health care strategy whose purpose is to intervene, in a multidisciplinary way, in the health-disease process of vulnerable individuals, as unsatisfactory oral health is a risk factor for local and systemic infections. Patients in cancer treatment usually present oral manifestations because of the antineoplastic therapies to which they are submitted. Chemotherapy, radiation and cancer surgery, when the latter held in the head and neck region, have the potential to generate side effects in the oral cavity. These oral manifestations can be serious and interfere with the results of medical therapy, leading to important systemic complications, which can increase hospital stay, treatment costs, and affect the quality of life. In view of this reality, the incorporation of the dentist into the multiprofessional team in oncology is essential to guarantee the patient’s integral care in all stages of therapy. This article then proposes to report a series of cases of patients attended at the Dentistry Service of the Oncology Center of the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital of the University of Pernambuco, that exemplify the dental surgeon performance in a hospital environment, participating as an active member of a multidisciplinary team in oncology.

Indexing term
Dental care for chronically Ill; Oral health; Medical oncology

RESUMO

O atendimento odontológico hospitalar é uma estratégia educativa e assistencial que tem como objetivo intervir, de forma multidisciplinar, no processo saúde-doença de indivíduos vulneráveis, uma vez que a saúde bucal insatisfatória é um fator de risco para infecções locais e sistêmicas. Pacientes em tratamento oncológico geralmente apresentam manifestações orais por causa das terapias antineoplásicas às quais são submetidos. Quimioterapia, radioterapia e cirurgia oncológica, quando realizadas na região da cabeça e pescoço, têm o potencial de gerar efeitos colaterais na cavidade bucal. Essas manifestações orais podem ser graves e interferir nos resultados da terapia medicamentosa, levando a importantes complicações sistêmicas, que podem aumentar a permanência hospitalar, os custos do tratamento e afetar a qualidade de vida. Diante dessa realidade, a incorporação do cirurgião-dentista na equipe multiprofissional em oncologia é fundamental para garantir a integralidade do cuidado em todas as etapas da terapia. Este artigo se propõe a relatar uma série de casos de pacientes atendidos no Serviço de Odontologia do Centro de Oncologia do Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz da Universidade de Pernambuco, que exemplificam possibilidades de atuação do cirurgião-dentista em ambiente hospitalar, participando como membro ativo de uma equipe multidisciplinar em oncologia.

Termos de indexação
Assistência odontológica para doentes crônicos; Saúde bucal; Oncologia

INTRODUCTION

Hospital dentistry figures as a practice that aims the care of oral alterations, performed in a hospital environment, with the objective of improving the health and quality of life of hospitalized patients. The integral approach, and not only the aspects related to oral cavity, is fundamental and depends on the interrelation of all the members of the multidisciplinary team that assists the patient [11 Hartnett E. Integrating oral health throughout câncer care. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2015; 19(5): 615-619. https://doi.org/10.1188/15.CJON.615-619
https://doi.org/10.1188/15.CJON.615-619...
]. This concept continues to expand, encompassing dental care for patients at home.

It is the dental surgeon’s challenge to act in hospitals through health promotion, prevention, treatment of oral diseases and reduction of damages resulting from hospitalization. Knowledge, experience, interaction and integration with the medical team provide the assurance of best appropriate oral and systemic care for hospitalized patients [22 Epstein JB, Güneri P, Barasch A. Appropriate and necessary oral care for people with cancer: guidance to obtain the right oral and dental care at the right time. Support Care Cancer. 2014; 22(7):1981-1988. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-01 4-2228-x
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2228-...
].

In patients undergoing antineoplastic therapy, the development of oral complications is common, such as mucositis, xerostomia, dysgeusia, fungal, bacterial and viral infections, radiation cavities, trismus, osteonecrosis, osteoradionecrosis, neurotoxicity, and in pediatric patients, impairment of bone, muscle and tooth formation. Disturbances in the integrity and function of the oral cavity are due to the fact that the oncological treatments are not able to destroy the tumor cells without injuring normal cells. The most frequently used forms of antineoplastic therapy are radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Each of them acts in a different way, but, within their specificities, they all have some potential to cause side effects in the oral cavity [11 Hartnett E. Integrating oral health throughout câncer care. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2015; 19(5): 615-619. https://doi.org/10.1188/15.CJON.615-619
https://doi.org/10.1188/15.CJON.615-619...
,33 Brennan MT, Treister NS, Sollecito TP, Schmidt BL, Patton LL, Mohammadi K, et al. Dental disease before radiotherapy in patients with head and neck câncer. JADA. 2017;148(12): 868-877. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2017.09.011
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2017.09.0...

4 Levi LE, Lalla RV. Dental treatment planning for the patient with oral cancer. Dental Clinics. 2018;62(1):121-130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cden.2017.08.009
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cden.2017.08.0...

5 Lo-Fo-Wong DNN, Haes HCJM, Aaronson NK, Van Abbema DL, Den Boer MD, Van Hezewihk M, et al. Don’t forget the dentist: Dental care use and needs of women with breast câncer. The Breast. 2016;29(1):1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.breast.2016.06.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.breast.2016.06...
-66 Valéra MC, Noirrit-Esclassam E, Pasquet M, Vaysse F. Oral complications and dental care in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. J Oral Pathol Med. 2014;44(7):483-489. https://doi.org/10.1111/jop.12266
https://doi.org/10.1111/jop.12266...
].

The incorporation of the dentist into the multiprofessional team in oncology is extremely important for the integral care of the patient in all the stages of the therapy, being necessary to elaborate an individualized protocol to approach each patient [77 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Reference Manual. Guideline on dental management of pediatric patients receiving chemotherapy, hematopoietic cell transplantation, and/or radiation. 2008;32(6):253-259.,88 Santos TDD, Ribeiro PL, Rezende RP, Curi DSC, Oliveira JFCD, Sarmento VA. Fungal and viral oral infections in individuals with onco-hematologic neoplasms in a University Hospital. Braz J Oral Sci. 2016;15(4):315-319. https://doi.org/10.20396/bjos.v15i4.8650048
https://doi.org/10.20396/bjos.v15i4.8650...
]. In view of this, this article proposes to report a series of cases that demonstrate the most diverses possibilities of acting of the dentist surgeon within a multidisciplinary team in oncology.

CASE REPORTS

In all of the cases reported below, the participants signed a Free and Informed Consent Form, consenting to the disclosure of their cases for academic purposes.

Case 1

Male, 62 years old. History of smoking and alcoholism. Attended the head and neck surgery service of the CEON / HUOC / UPE with complaint of a mass in the cervical region, with evolution of about 6 months. Physical examination showed a hardened tumor, measuring on average 6 cm, on the left side and adhered to the deep planes. For diagnostic purposes, a Fine Needle Aspiration was requested, which showed an Unclassified Malignant Epithelial Neoplasia (Report Nº: 315C). Even after intense investigation, it was not possible to identify the primary site of the neoplasia, and the patient was classified as having an occult primary tumor with extensive cervical metastasis and surgically unresectable. Patient referred to Clinical Oncology, who opted for a treatment regimen associating chemotherapy (7 cycles of the CDDP scheme, which uses cisplatin as a chemotherapeutic agent) and radiotherapy (35 sessions). Patient responded well to the indicated treatment, evolving with a complete remission of the tumor lesion. Before the beginning of the proposed treatment, the patient was referred to the dental service of the CEON / HUOC / UPE. Patient with advanced periodontal disease and six remaining dental elements in a poor state of preservation, as can be observed in the panoramic x-ray of the jaws (figure 1a). Due to the precarious dento-periodontal state, the adaptation of the oral cavity was performed through removal of all remaining dental elements. Dental follow-up was maintained during oncological treatment, according to the Standard Protocol for Oral Care [99 Brasil. Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Atenção à Saúde. Instituto Nacional do Câncer. Serviço de Odontologia em Oncologia: rotinas internas do INCA. 2ª ed. Rio de Janeiro: INCA; 2009.], adapted [1010 Vidal AKL. Protocolo operacional padrão de cuidados buco-dentais (pop- oral) para indivíduos sob terapia antineoplásica. Rio de Janeiro: INCA; 2009.], and it was prescribed: use of toothbrush with small head and soft bristles, non-abrasive toothpaste, mouthwash with sodium bicarbonate solution (8 / 8h) and mouthwash with nystatin oral solution (6/6h), with the purpose of prevention and control of oral side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After the end of the cancer treatment, both the medical and dental staff of CEON / HUOC / UPE follow the patient. He is currently out of treatment for 1 year and 6 months, has no signs of recurrence of cancer disease, and exhibits good oral condition (figures 1b, 1c).

Case 2

Male, 37 years old. Denies history of smoking and alcoholism. Patient attended CEON / HUOC / UPE in 2008 with a hardened, painful, 5 cm tumor in the left cervical region, associated with another tumor in the left suprascapular region with 4 cm in diameter. For diagnostic purposes, the patient underwent a rhinoscopy, which showed a left rhinopharynx lesion. The patient underwent a left cervical lymphadenectomy and the collected material underwent histopathological (Report nº: 109387) and immunohistochemical study (Report Nº: 109387 and 6294/07), with conclusive diagnosis for Little Differentiated Rhinopharynx Metastatic Carcinoma. As a treatment of choice, chemotherapy regimen (weekly cisplatin) associated with radiotherapy (7020 cgy in the rhinopharynx and 5040 cgy in the neck) was determined. At the end of radiotherapy, a probable residual disease remained on the left side of the neck. A new chemotherapy regimen (3 cycles of cisplatin + 5-Fluoracyl, every 28 days) was instituted and the patient evolved with complete tumor response. Both treatments were in 2008. The patient first attended the CEON / HUOC / UPE dentistry service in October / 2017, and it was verified that the oral cavity was not adequately adjusted prior to oncologic therapy. JCS reported having undergone the extraction of the right lower third molar about 1 month ago, in a dentistry service near his residence. The intra-oral examination revealed remaining dental elements in poor condition and with radiation caries (figure 2a). Also observed a bone exposure area corresponding to the edentulous region of the right lower third molar, elliptic shape, measuring 2 cm (figure 2b) and absence of painful symptomatology in the region. Panoramic x-ray showed area of bone rarefaction in the region in question (figure 3). Diagnostic hypothesis of Osteorradionecrosis in the mandible was established. The patient was informed about his oral condition and about possible oral repercussions of the antineoplastic treatments performed. Considering the present bone exposure, it was instituted the Standard Operational Protocol of Oral Care [99 Brasil. Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Atenção à Saúde. Instituto Nacional do Câncer. Serviço de Odontologia em Oncologia: rotinas internas do INCA. 2ª ed. Rio de Janeiro: INCA; 2009.], adapted [1010 Vidal AKL. Protocolo operacional padrão de cuidados buco-dentais (pop- oral) para indivíduos sob terapia antineoplásica. Rio de Janeiro: INCA; 2009.] for individuals with osteorradionecrosis, and it was prescribed: use of a small toothbrush with soft bristles, non-abrasive toothpaste, mouthwash with oral bicarbonate solution (8 / 8h), mouthwash with Chlorhexidine Digluconate 0,12% (12 / 12h) and mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide 10 volumes (12 / 12h). After 4 months of treatment and follow-up, the patient evolved with complete closure of the exposed bone area and with no symptomatology in the region (figure 2c).

Figure 1
a) Panoramic x-ray prior to the adequacy of the oral cavity - onlysix remaining dental elements with advanced periodontal disease(dental mobility). b e c) Clinical appearance of the oral cavity 1 yearand 6 months after the end of antineoplastic therapy - normal oralmucosa.
Figure 2
a) Remaining dental elements in poor condition and with radiation caries. b) Clinical aspect of bone exposure area in the edentulous region of the rightlower third molar, suggestive of Osteorradionecrosis. c) Clinical aspect of the bone exposure area after 4 months of treatment and follow-up, showingcomplete closure of the lesion.
Figure 3
Panoramic x-ray, showing area of bone rarefaction in the region corresponding to the right lower third molar.

Case 3

Female, 42 years old, with no history of smoking or alcoholism. Presented to the Oncologic Surgery service of the CEON / HUOC / UPE with hardened and irregular tumor in the left breast, with extension to the homolateral axillary region. Submitted to a Core Biopsy, with conclusive diagnosis for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (Report Nº: H156335). In view of this, the surgical team scheduled a quadrantectomy of the left breast and left axillary emptying. The surgical report confirmed Ductal Invasive Carcinoma in the left breast and evidenced the presence of Metastatic Carcinoma in 11 of the 14 lymph nodes sent for analysis (Report: No. 171835). She was staged as T2N3M0 and referred to Clinical Oncology for follow-up with adjuvant chemotherapy. The proposed regimen was AC, which uses doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide as chemotherapeutic agents, every 21 days. Patient also referred to the Dental Service of the CEON, with complaint of sensitivity in the first lower right molar. Extensive caries observed in the tooth in question, already with indication of endodontic treatment. It was performed the adjustment of the oral cavity and Standard Operational Protocol of Oral Care was instituted [99 Brasil. Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Atenção à Saúde. Instituto Nacional do Câncer. Serviço de Odontologia em Oncologia: rotinas internas do INCA. 2ª ed. Rio de Janeiro: INCA; 2009.], adapted for patients under chemotherapeutic treatment [1010 Vidal AKL. Protocolo operacional padrão de cuidados buco-dentais (pop- oral) para indivíduos sob terapia antineoplásica. Rio de Janeiro: INCA; 2009.], being prescribed toothbrush with small head and soft bristles, non - abrasive toothpaste, mouthwash with sodium bicarbonate (8 / 8h), mouthwash with nystatin oral solution (6 / 6h) and mouthwash with chlorhexidine digluconate 0.12% (12 / 12h). With the purpose of preventing oral mucositis, a preventive laser therapy protocol was instituted for the patient, using the low intensity laser (Laser DUO, from MMOptics), in the visible red spectrum (660nm), with a fixed power of 100 mW, energy density of 2 J / cm2, application by scanning and being the treatment performed twice in the week. Patient has already undergone 4 cycles of chemotherapy treatment and continues with intact and preserved oral cavity (Photos 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d).

Figure 4
a, b, c and d) Aspect of the patient’s oral cavity after 4 cycles ofchemotherapy, evidencing normal oral mucosa.

DISCUSSION

In order to obtain cure / control or even in the palliative treatment of cancer, surgical procedures, chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment are often used. Each of these therapies acts in a different way, so that surgery is restricted to the site of the tumor, sometimes causing functional and aesthetic limitations. Radiation therapy has a site-specific effect, whereas chemotherapy has a systemic effect. These two latter modalities cause disturbances in the integrity and function of the oral cavity because they are not able to destroy tumor cells without causing damage or death to normal cells [11 Hartnett E. Integrating oral health throughout câncer care. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2015; 19(5): 615-619. https://doi.org/10.1188/15.CJON.615-619
https://doi.org/10.1188/15.CJON.615-619...
,33 Brennan MT, Treister NS, Sollecito TP, Schmidt BL, Patton LL, Mohammadi K, et al. Dental disease before radiotherapy in patients with head and neck câncer. JADA. 2017;148(12): 868-877. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2017.09.011
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2017.09.0...
,44 Levi LE, Lalla RV. Dental treatment planning for the patient with oral cancer. Dental Clinics. 2018;62(1):121-130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cden.2017.08.009
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cden.2017.08.0...
,1111 Beech N, Robinson S, Porceddu S, Batstone M. Dental management of patients irradiated for head and neck câncer. Aust Dent J. 2014;59(1):20-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134...
].

Depending on the type, dosage and frequency of use of chemotherapeutic agents, severe oral complications may occur. Approximately 40% or more of oncological patients undergoing chemotherapy have buccal complications due to direct or indirect stomatotoxicity [1212 Saito H, Watanabe Y, Sato K, Ikawa H, Yoshida Y, Katakura A, et al. Effects of professional oral health care on reducing the risk of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. Support Care Cancer. 2014;22(11):2935-40. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2282-4
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2282-...
]. In general, chemotherapy may be associated with multiple side effects that have the potential to compromise the patient’s quality of life, and the oral cavity is a common site of discomfort and pain for the patient undergoing this treatment [66 Valéra MC, Noirrit-Esclassam E, Pasquet M, Vaysse F. Oral complications and dental care in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. J Oral Pathol Med. 2014;44(7):483-489. https://doi.org/10.1111/jop.12266
https://doi.org/10.1111/jop.12266...
,1313 Wilberg P, Hjermstad MJ, Ottesen S, Herlofson BB. Chemotherapy-associated oral sequelae in patients with cancers outside the head and neck region. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2014;48(6):1060-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2014.02.009
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.20...
].

Radiotherapy, when in the cervicofacial region, may also induce the appearance of oral alterations, which can be harmful to the patient’s health [1111 Beech N, Robinson S, Porceddu S, Batstone M. Dental management of patients irradiated for head and neck câncer. Aust Dent J. 2014;59(1):20-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134...
]. The oral condition of patients with head and neck cancer tends to deteriorate because of radiotherapy, leading to periodontal and dental damage, as well as tissue, innervation and oral vascularization damage [1414 Santos PSS, Cremonesi AL, Quispe RA, Rubira CMF. The impact of oral health on quality of life in individuals with head and neck cancer after radiotherapy: the importance of dentistry in psychosocial issues. Acta Odontol. Latinoam. 2017;30(2):62-67.].

The presence of an active dental surgeon in the multidisciplinary team in oncology is therefore indispensable, since this professional can act in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral disorders and in the side effects of antineoplastic therapy [1515 Velten DB, Zandonade E, Miotto MHMB. Prevalence of oral manifestations in children and adolescents with cAncer submitted to chemotherapy. BMC Oral Health. 2017;17(1):1-6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-016-0300-2
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-016-0300-...
], leading to an improvement in the systemic conditions and quality of life of hospitalized patients [1616 Morais MO, Elias MR, Leles CR, Pinezi JCD, Mendonça EF. The effect of preventive oral care on treatment outcomes of a cohort of oral cancer patients. Support Care Cancer. 2016;24(4):1663-70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-015-2956-6
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-015-2956-...
]. As can be observed in the described clinical cases 1, 2 and 3.

During antineoplastic therapy, compromised teeth, often with sharp edges, facilitate loss of mucosal integrity and infection, and inflammatory processes of the pulp may be exacerbated. The protocol consists of performing a rigorous clinical examination before initiating cancer treatment, and the patient’s dental and periodontal conditions should be carefully analyzed. Inflammatory and infectious processes must be extinguished and controlled. At the same time, the patient must acquire oral hygiene habits, so that he can control the bacterial plaque during and after the cancer treatment [11 Hartnett E. Integrating oral health throughout câncer care. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2015; 19(5): 615-619. https://doi.org/10.1188/15.CJON.615-619
https://doi.org/10.1188/15.CJON.615-619...
,44 Levi LE, Lalla RV. Dental treatment planning for the patient with oral cancer. Dental Clinics. 2018;62(1):121-130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cden.2017.08.009
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cden.2017.08.0...
,55 Lo-Fo-Wong DNN, Haes HCJM, Aaronson NK, Van Abbema DL, Den Boer MD, Van Hezewihk M, et al. Don’t forget the dentist: Dental care use and needs of women with breast câncer. The Breast. 2016;29(1):1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.breast.2016.06.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.breast.2016.06...
,1111 Beech N, Robinson S, Porceddu S, Batstone M. Dental management of patients irradiated for head and neck câncer. Aust Dent J. 2014;59(1):20-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134...
,1717 Jawad H, Hodson NA, Nixon PJ. A review of dental treatment of head and neck cancer patients, before, during and after radiotherapy: part 1. Br Dent J. 2015;218(2):65-68. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.28
https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.28...
]. Likewise, one should not forget the follow-up of these patients during and after cancer treatment, so that measures can be taken to control the complications and to prevent complications that may occur late [1111 Beech N, Robinson S, Porceddu S, Batstone M. Dental management of patients irradiated for head and neck câncer. Aust Dent J. 2014;59(1):20-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134...
,1818 Sroussi H, Epstein JB, Bensadoun RJ, Saunders DP, Lalla RV, Miglioratis CA, et al. Common oral complications of head and neck cancer radiation therapy: mucositis, infections, saliva change, fibrosis, sensory dysfunctions, dental caries, periodontal disease, and osteoradionecrosis. Cancer Medicine. 2017;6(12):2918-2931. https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.1221
https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.1221...
]. The dental surgeon will act in the prevention, treatment and monitoring of oral diseases to avoid complications, and will also act in the education and motivation of the patient, aiming at an improvement in the patient’s quality of life [22 Epstein JB, Güneri P, Barasch A. Appropriate and necessary oral care for people with cancer: guidance to obtain the right oral and dental care at the right time. Support Care Cancer. 2014; 22(7):1981-1988. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-01 4-2228-x
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2228-...
,1111 Beech N, Robinson S, Porceddu S, Batstone M. Dental management of patients irradiated for head and neck câncer. Aust Dent J. 2014;59(1):20-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134...
].

Comparing case reports 1 and 2, it can be seen that in case 1 the patient was submitted to an adjustment of the oral cavity and followed before, during and after the antineoplastic therapy, thus minimizing the appearance and intensity of side effects in the oral cavity. When the antineoplastic therapy of case report 2 started, the service in question did not count with the assistance of the dental team. Therefore, the treatment started without a dental evaluation, being the patient more susceptible to the appearance of complications.

Side effects or complications resulting from antineoplastic therapies generally vary from patient to patient, depending on treatment, patient and tumor variables [1919 Vidal AKL. Importância da Odontologia para o paciente oncológico. In: Marques CLTQ, Barreto CL, Morais VLL, Lima Júnior NF. Oncologia: uma abordagem multidisciplinar. Recife: Carpe Diem; 2015. p. 775-788.].

Oral mucositis is one of the most severe non-hematological complication of cancer therapy, occurring in 40 to 80% of patients treated with chemotherapy and in virtually all patients treated by radiotherapy, manifests as a burning sensation in the mucosa that can evolve to edema, erythema with formation of ulcers and pseudomembranes [44 Levi LE, Lalla RV. Dental treatment planning for the patient with oral cancer. Dental Clinics. 2018;62(1):121-130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cden.2017.08.009
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cden.2017.08.0...
,1111 Beech N, Robinson S, Porceddu S, Batstone M. Dental management of patients irradiated for head and neck câncer. Aust Dent J. 2014;59(1):20-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134...
,2020 Brandão TB, Morais-Faria K, Ribeiro ACP, Rivera C, Salvajoli JV, Lopes MA, et al. Locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with photobiomodulation for prevention of oral mucositis: retrospective outcomes and safety analyses. Support Care Cancer. 2018;26(7):2417-2423. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4046-z
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4046-...

21 Elad S, Zadik Y. Chronic oral mucositis after radiotherapy to the head and neck: a new insight. Support Care Cancer. 2016;24(11):4825-30. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3337-5
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3337-...
-2222 Qutob AF, Allen G, Gue S, Revesz T, Logan RM, Keefe D. Implementation of a hospital oral care protocol and recording of oral mucositis in children receiving cancer treatment: a retrospective and a prospective study. Support Care Cancer. 2013;21(4):1113-20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1633-2
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1633-...
]. The literature reveals numerous protocols for the treatment of oral mucositis, such as the use of low intesity laser, mouthwashes with chlorhexidine digluconate or sodium bicarbonate, systemic use of analgesics or opiates, in cases of intense mucositis, and anesthetics for topical use [1111 Beech N, Robinson S, Porceddu S, Batstone M. Dental management of patients irradiated for head and neck câncer. Aust Dent J. 2014;59(1):20-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134...
,1818 Sroussi H, Epstein JB, Bensadoun RJ, Saunders DP, Lalla RV, Miglioratis CA, et al. Common oral complications of head and neck cancer radiation therapy: mucositis, infections, saliva change, fibrosis, sensory dysfunctions, dental caries, periodontal disease, and osteoradionecrosis. Cancer Medicine. 2017;6(12):2918-2931. https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.1221
https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.1221...
,2020 Brandão TB, Morais-Faria K, Ribeiro ACP, Rivera C, Salvajoli JV, Lopes MA, et al. Locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with photobiomodulation for prevention of oral mucositis: retrospective outcomes and safety analyses. Support Care Cancer. 2018;26(7):2417-2423. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4046-z
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4046-...
]. The treatment is based on the symptoms, that is, a palliative therapeutic approach with the aim of minimizing patient discomfort [1818 Sroussi H, Epstein JB, Bensadoun RJ, Saunders DP, Lalla RV, Miglioratis CA, et al. Common oral complications of head and neck cancer radiation therapy: mucositis, infections, saliva change, fibrosis, sensory dysfunctions, dental caries, periodontal disease, and osteoradionecrosis. Cancer Medicine. 2017;6(12):2918-2931. https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.1221
https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.1221...
].

As seen in case report 3, the dental surgeon can also act on oral mucositis even before its appearance, acting in a preventive manner. The prevention methods are the same used in the treatment of these lesions, however, in different application protocols. Low intensity laser application protocols are used to prevent the onset of oral mucositis due to its ability to biostimulate and increase cellular metabolism, thus delaying the appearance of lesions. In addition, some substances such as chlorhexidine and benzidamine can be allied to mouthwash and have been representing significant improvements in oral mucositis. Randomized clinical trials have shown that laser therapy is of great importance in reducing healing time and grades of oral mucositis, as well as in pain control, in groups of patients receiving chemotherapy or head and neck radiotherapy [1111 Beech N, Robinson S, Porceddu S, Batstone M. Dental management of patients irradiated for head and neck câncer. Aust Dent J. 2014;59(1):20-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134...
,1818 Sroussi H, Epstein JB, Bensadoun RJ, Saunders DP, Lalla RV, Miglioratis CA, et al. Common oral complications of head and neck cancer radiation therapy: mucositis, infections, saliva change, fibrosis, sensory dysfunctions, dental caries, periodontal disease, and osteoradionecrosis. Cancer Medicine. 2017;6(12):2918-2931. https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.1221
https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.1221...
,2020 Brandão TB, Morais-Faria K, Ribeiro ACP, Rivera C, Salvajoli JV, Lopes MA, et al. Locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with photobiomodulation for prevention of oral mucositis: retrospective outcomes and safety analyses. Support Care Cancer. 2018;26(7):2417-2423. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4046-z
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4046-...
,2222 Qutob AF, Allen G, Gue S, Revesz T, Logan RM, Keefe D. Implementation of a hospital oral care protocol and recording of oral mucositis in children receiving cancer treatment: a retrospective and a prospective study. Support Care Cancer. 2013;21(4):1113-20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1633-2
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1633-...
].

Osteorradionecrosis is an ischemic necrosis of the bone, characterized as one of the late adverse effects of radiotherapy in the head and neck region. In general, the mandible is more affected than the maxilla, and necrosis with bone exposure is one of the most severe oral complications. The treatment of choice should be according to the stage of necrosis. The treatment for mild ulcerations in soft tissues and superficial necrosis is conservative, through topical solutions. For more advanced stages such as diffuse bone necrosis, treatment may include sequestratomy, bone resections, microsurgical reconstruction and the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy [1111 Beech N, Robinson S, Porceddu S, Batstone M. Dental management of patients irradiated for head and neck câncer. Aust Dent J. 2014;59(1):20-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12134...
,2323 Chang CT, Liu SP, Muo CH, Tsai CH, Huang YF. Dental prophylaxis and osteoradionecrosis: a population-based study. J Dental Res. 2017;96(7):1-8. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034516687282
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034516687282...
]. It is important to emphasize that some authors report that after 5 years of the end of the radiotherapy treatment, it is safe to perform surgical procedures in head and neck irradiated patients. However, in the case 2 reported in this article, the complication arose even after almost 10 years of the end of radiotherapy.

In view of the complications resulting from cancer treatments, discomfort and pain may be responsible for causing a nutritional deficit, altered immune response and a longer hospital stay, and may even trigger a sepsis and expose the patient to a greater risk of life. However, oral alterations can be minimized with the support of the multidisciplinary team and commitment of the dental surgeon in the clinical management of the patient in cancer treatment [11 Hartnett E. Integrating oral health throughout câncer care. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2015; 19(5): 615-619. https://doi.org/10.1188/15.CJON.615-619
https://doi.org/10.1188/15.CJON.615-619...

2 Epstein JB, Güneri P, Barasch A. Appropriate and necessary oral care for people with cancer: guidance to obtain the right oral and dental care at the right time. Support Care Cancer. 2014; 22(7):1981-1988. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-01 4-2228-x
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2228-...
-33 Brennan MT, Treister NS, Sollecito TP, Schmidt BL, Patton LL, Mohammadi K, et al. Dental disease before radiotherapy in patients with head and neck câncer. JADA. 2017;148(12): 868-877. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2017.09.011
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2017.09.0...
,1717 Jawad H, Hodson NA, Nixon PJ. A review of dental treatment of head and neck cancer patients, before, during and after radiotherapy: part 1. Br Dent J. 2015;218(2):65-68. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.28
https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.28...
].

CONCLUSION

Hospitalized patients may present side effects in the oral cavity, in general, due to the disease, immunosuppression and / or treatments to which they are submitted. These oral manifestations acquire great importance, due to local and systemic impairment, especially in patients under antineoplastic therapy. Thus, it is the responsibility of the dental surgeon within the multidisciplinary oncological team to participate with health promotion actions, diagnosis of oral lesions, control and treatment of oral and dental repercussions, and to maintain long-term follow-up, contributing to the improvement of the oral and systemic condition and the quality of life of the patients, providing integral and humanized treatment.

How to cite this article

  • Macedo TS, Melo MCF, Vidal AKL. Hospital and oncological dental care: a series of cases. RGO, Rev Gaúch Odontol. 2019;67:e20190036.http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1981-86372019000363610

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    12 Sept 2019
  • Date of issue
    2019

History

  • Received
    24 Sept 2018
  • Reviewed
    01 Nov 2018
  • Accepted
    04 Feb 2019
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