Oral Cancer

By: Ashley Hill

What is Oral Cancer?

Head and Neck Cancer Can form in
Lining of cheeks Gums Palate Tongue lips

Causes of Oral Cancer

Tobacco use Alcohol Sunlight Poor oral hygiene

Signs and Symptoms

Lesions
Erythroplakia Leukoplakia

Chronic sore throat Difficulty swallowing/moving tongue Numbness Swelling

Treatment
Surgery Chemotherapy
Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Radiation Therapy

Surgery
Most common form
Oldest form

Indications
Small/large tumors Pain relief

Chemotherapy
Destroys cells
Cells do not replenish

Mucous Membrane
acts as barrier for mouth

Hematopoietic cell transplantation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeBl_Y2GSV0

Before Chemotherapy
Thorough Exam
X-rays Perio Evaluation Oral exam

Radiation
Ionizing Radiation Impacts cells ability Can result in
Acute short term and chronic long term effects

Oral complications & Patient Education of Chemotherapy and Radiation

Xerostomia
reduce the quantity and quality of normal saliva Plaque build up Denture patients

Patient Education

Water
Fluoride Biotene Sugarless gum/mints

 Mucositis/Stomatitis

Oral complications & Patient Education of Chemotherapy and Radiation

Signs/Symptoms White patches
Thick Saliva Blood in mouth Soreness

Break down of mouth tissues Red sores/open sores

Causes
Pain Nutrional Problems Infection

Patient Education
No Smoking/Alcohol Ultra soft toothbrush Baking soda mouth rinse

Mucositis

 Candidiasis

Oral complications & Patient Education of Chemotherapy and Radiation

Caused by Candida Albicans Thrush White patches

Tongue Palate

Treatmenbt
Nystatin

 Recurrent Herpes simplex virus

Genital herpes Fever blisters Cold sores

Oral complications & Patient Education of Chemotherapy and Radiation

Treatment
Acyclovir

 Thrombocytopenia

Oral complications & Patient Education of Chemotherapy and Radiation

Low Number of Platelets 150,000-450,000 platelets per microliter of blood (Normal) Treatment
Medication Blood or platelet transfusions

Oral complications & Patient Education of Chemotherapy and Radiation

Osteoradionecrosis
Invasive dental procedures Dental implants Extractions

Oral complications & Patient Education of Chemotherapy and Radiation

Dysgeusia
Loss of taste
Malnutrition

Xerstomia
Taste Buds

Oral complications & Patient Education of Chemotherapy and Radiation

Dysphasia
Hard to swallow

Treatment
Smaller bites of food More frequent sips of water Softer foods such as mashed potatoes

Oral complications & Patient Education of Chemotherapy and Radiation

Trismus
Pain in Jaw Exercise the jaw 3 times a day

You can make a difference

How to keep your mouth moist
Water Ice Chips Sugarless gum/candy Saliva substitute

How to clean your mouth, tongue, and gums

Extra soft brush Fluoride Floss No alcohol Rinse No petroleum based products on lips

Nutritional Counseling
Increase fluid intake Food high in protein Avoid spicy foods Let food cool to room temperature Moisten food if difficulty swallowing

Nutritional Counseling Cont.

Do eat
Ice cream Baby food Mashed potatoes Bananas Cottage cheese Oatmeal Pudding

Dont Eat
Tomatoes Citrus fruits/juices Salty foods Raw fruits/veggies Caffeine drinks Chocolate Vinegar Pickles Dry foods

To help prevent serious problems you should see your dentist how many weeks prior to chemotherapy?
A. 1 month B. 1 week C. 2 Weeks D. 3-4 days

2 Weeks!

What is the breakdown of tissues within the mouth?

Stomatitis Dysgeusia Dysphasia Mucositis

Out of the following what TWO foods can the patient eat?
A. Chocolate B. Bananas C. Ice Cream D. Tomatoes

Bananas & Ice Cream!

Thrombocytopenia results when there is?

A. Abnormal shape in blood cells B. A high number of platelets C. Abnormal shape in platelets D. Low number if platelets

Low number of platelets

A condition caused by loss of blood supply to the bone?

Osteoradionecrosis

What is a name for a red lesion?

Erythroplakia

Points to Remember
Dental Exam scheduled one month prior to chemotherapy or head/neck radiation. Dental appointment scheduled 2 weeks prior to treatment Do not lecture the patient on oral care the patient already has a lot on their mind.

Work Cited
"What Is Chemotherapy? (part 1 of 2) | HealthiNation." YouTube. YouTube, 21 July 2011. Web. 20 June 2013. DentalCare." DentalCare. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 June 2013. N.p., n.d. Web.

Wilkins, Esther M. Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1999. Print. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, n.d. Web. 20 June 2013.