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Oral complications in children with cancer
Type: Articles
Pubblication date: /3/2005
Authors: J. E. RABER-DURLACHER*, J. B. EPSTEIN**, D. BRESTERS***, L. STERN-ZIVAN****
Language: English
Institution: *Depts. Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Periodontology, ACTA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
**Dept. Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences and Director, Interdisciplinary Program in Oral Cancer Biology, Detection and Treatment,
Chicago Cancer Center, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA;
***Dept. Pediatric Immunology, Hematology, Oncology, Bone marrow transplantation and Auto-immune disease (IHOBA), WA-KJC, Leiden,
University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands;
****Dept. Paediatric Dentistry, ACTA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Publication: European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
Publisher: Ariesdue Srl
Keywords: Childhood cancer, Oral complications, Mucositis, Late effects, Dental abnormalities
Abstract: Background Childhood cancer and its treatment are often associated with significant oral complications. Malignant disease may manifest in the oral region, and aggressive cancer therapy may lead to painful oral mucositis and potentially life-threatening infectious complications. In addition, high-dose chemotherapy, conditioning regimens for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and radiation therapy to the head and neck region may cause damage to salivary glands, putting the child at risk of infections, including candidiasis, caries and periodontal diseases. Both chemotherapy and irradiation to the head and neck area may have long-term effects on developing dentofacial structures. This article reviews acute and chronic oral complications in paediatric oncology and recent insights into the pathogenesis of these problems. In addition, the role of dental professionals, within a multidisciplinary approach to the management of these complications, is discussed.