Oral Sequels of Postradiation Syndrome

Abstract

The treatment of malignancies includes surgical therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and combinations of these methods. Head and neck cancer accounts for a high percentage of radiotherapeutic casuistic. Orofacial region is an important area of nuclear medicine. Radiotherapy side effects cause systemic and local reactions known as postradiation syndrome. Radiation induces multiple effects that manifest at various levels, i.e. cellular, tissue, organ and systemic level. Oral sequels of head and neck radiotherapy can cause pathologic lesions of oral mucosa (mucositis), salivary glands and their function (salivation), teeth (cervical caries), jaws (osteoradionecrosis), and functional disorders of mastication, swallowing, taste, appetite and speech. Therefore, every patient scheduled for head and neck radiotherapy should undergo dental examination and receive appropriate and strictly individualized dental treatment. That is why the oncologic team should also include a dental medicine specialist. The procedures and treatments are described, which should be performed before and after head and neck radiotherapy to prevent the occurrence of such oral complications and to ensure the highest possible postradiation quality of life for the patient.