Self-reported oral morbidities in long-term oropharyngeal cancer survivors: A cross-sectional survey of 906 survivors

With the rise in incidence of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), increased treatment response and decreased recurrence rates, there is a growing population of OPC survivors who now go on to live years (often decades) with long-term effects of therapy [1 –3]. Oral morbidities such as mucositis, osteoradionecrosis and xerostomia are common side effects when oral tissues such as mucosa, bone, and salivary glands, are within the volume of tissue irradiated. Furthermore, salivary changes affect the oral flora and overall risk of dental caries further increasing risks of osteoradionecrosis and dental/oral complications [4].

Source: Oral Oncology - July 26, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: MD Anderson Head and Neck Cancer Symptom Working Group Source Type: research