Dental Care in Head and Neck Cancer

Head and Neck Cancer

• Head and neck cancer is a major global health problem with approximately 500,000 new cases diagnosed annually.
• The incidence of head and neck cancer appears to be increasing in developing countries.
• Head and neck cancer refers to cancer that develops in the mouth, throat, nose, salivary glands, or other areas of the head and neck.

Risk Factors

• 85% of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use.
• 75% of head and neck cancers are associated with a combination of tobacco and alcohol use, which are strong synergistic effects for oral cancer.
• Human papilloma virus (HPV), especially types 16 and 18, is a known risk factor and independent causative factor for oral cancer.

Characteristics of Head and Neck Cancer Patients

• Most patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are middle-aged, adult males in lower socioeconomic classes.
• These patients tend to be chronic tobacco chewers and alcohol consumers.
• They often have advanced tumors and less social support compared to other cancer patients.

Importance of Multidisciplinary Approach

• Preventing and treating orofacial complications requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a dedicated team of healthcare professionals.
• This team includes a radiation oncologist, head and neck surgeon, dentist, nurse, dietician, physical therapist, social worker, and in some cases, plastic surgeon, prosthodontist, and psychologist.

Radiation Dosimetry

• Radiotherapy (RT) aims to deliver the correct radiation dose to the tumor while minimizing the dose received outside the tumor zone.
• Radiation doses are expressed in grays (Gy), which is defined as J/kg.
• Most orofacial complications are dose-dependent, and severe side effects occur when doses exceed certain thresholds.