Dental status of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharyngeal region

Abstract

Purpose of the study. To evaluate changes in the oral cavity in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharyngeal region after radiation therapy.Materials and methods. The study included 70 patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. All patients underwent external beam radiation therapy. We used dose fractionation mode: 5 fractions per week, single focal dose — 2G. The severity of oral mucositis was assessed using the RTOG evaluation scale.Results. Patients with carcinoma of the oropharyngeal region before the start of the main treatment had pathology of hard tooth tissues (CPU-14.62±1.08), gingival inflammation (PMA-41.71±4.98), periodontal inflammation (CPITN-2.54±0.62). After the end of radiation therapy, oral mucositis was detected in all patients (100%). We found changes in the negative side for all indicators of dental status indices compared to primary CPUs-15.26±0.90; CPITN-3.36±0.58; PMA-49.75±5.28 (p<0.05). Clinical signs of oral mucositis begin to appear as early as 7 days after the start of radiation therapy, RTOG=1,5. After 3 weeks, patients develop severe mucosal lesions with fibrinous plaque and severe pain syndrome (RTOG=3.0), requiring intensive drug therapy (p<0.05).Conclusion. In connection with the early appearance of post-radiation oral mucositis, preventive and therapeutic measures to improve the regeneration.

Keywords

• squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharyngeal region
• oral mucositis
• total radiation dose