Oral Manifestations of Cancer Therapies: Advice for the Medical Team

• Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation for oral cancers are beneficial in the destruction of cancer cells, but they present with multiple side effects.
• Oncologic therapy side effects put patients at risk for radiation caries, xerostomia, oral mucositis, and more. Incorporating various products and changes in the oral care routine are necessary for the care and health of each patient.
• The nurse practitioner as part of an interprofessional team can provide education and remedies for many of the side effects of oral cancer therapy.

Cancer therapies often affect many portions of the body through the course of treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments within the head and neck can profoundly affect the oral cavity. Oral complications of these therapies include oral mucositis, xerostomia, and dental caries, among others. Clinical management of these conditions includes preventive care as well as palliative care. Insightful recommendations will be discussed to increase clinician confidence when caring for oncology patients. Interprofessional collaboration can increase knowledge as well as treatment outcomes for this patient population.