Incidence of Oral Complaints Following Radiotherapy for Treatment of Oral Cancer

Abstract

Radiation therapy is an important component in management of oral cancer. As a result, various uninvolved structures like salivary glands, oral mucosa, dentition, and jaws receive significant doses of radiation. Radiotherapy for oral cancer typically involves total doses of 6,000–7,000 cGy, delivered in daily fractions over 6–7 weeks and is known to cause a number of oral complications. These include oral mucositis, oral pain, hyposalivation, increased risk of dental caries, reduced mouth opening, and osteoradionecrosis. The aim of the study is to evaluate and identify the incidence rates of oral complaints following radiotherapy for oral cancer. Data samples required for study were taken from hospital records. All the collected data were cross verified and compiled together in an excel sheet. Compiled data were statistically analysed with help of SPSS software. In this study, a total of 51 patients of oral cancer underwent radiotherapy as a part of their treatment regimen. Higher percentage of patients reported back with no oral complaints of 58.82%. With an increase in age group, more patients had oral complaints after radiotherapy treatment, with p value of 0.114. More males had oral complaints compared to female patients with p value of 0.424. Within the limitations, it is significant that the maximum number of patients who underwent radiotherapy returned without any oral complaints.