Abstract

SIRE GOMEZ, Alexis; ALBORNOZ LOPEZ DEL CASTILLO, Carlos; FUENTES, Laura Elena  and  QUEIPO CABALLERO, Guillermo. Head and neck radioterapy. Its consequences. AMC [online]. 1998, vol.2, n.1. ISSN 1025-0255.

The purpose of this work was to review the greatest consequences that may occur after the reactive treatment used in head and neck affections. Source of data: Different articles related to the topic were reviewed in the Library of the Medical College of Camaguey; and MEDLINE computerized database was consulted. All information related to noxious effects of radiations on salivary glands, oral mucosa, muscles of jaw and alveolar bone, including xerostomia, dental destruction, mucositis, taste loss, osteoradionecrosis, infection, trismus and nutritional stomatitis was selected. Reduction of salivary secretion is related with total dosis, increase in daily dosage and therapy duration. The patient with cancer is susceptible to postradiation caries, being a consumer of a diet rich in carbohydrates, and there is loss of the protective plate which is the saliva. The most common infection in the oral cavity is Candidiasis; the use of doses of radiation increases the infection by Candida in 30%. The incidence of osteoradionecrosis in irradiated jaws ranges from 4% to 35%. The study of the consequences of head and neck radiotherapy is of vital importance for the treatment of irradiated patients with cancer therefore, we recommend a deep analysis of the topic by all stomatologists and maxillofacial surgeons; specialities very closely related to these affections.

Keywords : HEAD AND NECK NEOPLASM [radiotherapy].

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )