Prevalence of Oral Complications occurring in a Population of Pediatric Cancer Patients receiving Chemotherapy

• Published in: International journal of clinical pediatric dentistry 2017-06, Vol.10 (2), p.166-171
• Main Authors: Datta, Geetika, Saxena, Tanvi, Datta, Ankush G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0974-7052; 0975-1904
• DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1428

Multiagent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of both are the contemporary methods of cancer treatment. With medical advancements, though cure rates have increased considerably, focus is now shifted to the potential early and late complications of the same. The aim of this study was to assess the early oral complications in pediatric patients receiving chemotherapy. Sixty-two children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy with the mean age of 7.42 ± 3.6 years were included in the study. The various types of malignancies and oral problems during chemotherapy were recorded in the subjects. The most commonly encountered malignancy was acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 35.5%. Various oral and associated complications like mucosal inflammation with ulcerations, oral pain, xerostomia, and secondary infections were commonly seen, with mucositis being the most commonly observed complication in 58.1% of the subjects undergoing chemotherapy. Clinical importance of timely medical and dental interventions by a multidisciplinary team involving a pediatric dentist at different stages of anticancer treatment is also emphasized to minimize discomfort, increase treatment compliance, and improve the quality of life of pediatric patients.