Dental Management of the Human Papilloma Virus-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer Patient

Human papilloma virus (HPV)-attributable head and neck cancers (HNCs) are on the rise, impacting younger patients compared with HPV ( −) HNC. Fortunately, HPV (+) HNCs are associated with favorable prognoses and tend to be radiosensitive. However, radiation therapy for the treatment of HNC is associated with acute and chronic normal tissue toxicity to salivary glands, muscles, bone, and the oral cavity and presents a treatment c hallenge. Thus, the prevention of normal tissue injury and optimization of oral health are key. Dental teams are important members of the multidisciplinary cancer team.
Source: Dental Clinics of North America - Category: Dentistry Authors: Source Type: research