Dental and maxillofacial outcomes in childhood head and neck cancer survivors: a retrospective study and dental care considerations

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5327/2525-5711.246

Keywords:

Cancer Survivors, Long-Term, Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, Maxillofacial Abnormalities

Abstract

Cancer treatment during childhood, including head and neck radiotherapy and chemotherapy, can cause persistent dental and
maxillofacial changes, which may lead to long-term complications in dental care and oral rehabilitation. Objective: The aim
of this study was to evaluate dental and maxillofacial alterations resulting from childhood head and neck cancer treatment and
discuss considerations regarding dental care for these patients. Methods: This retrospective study utilized a Cancer Center
database, including patients referred to the Stomatology Department from 2004 to 2018. Results: The sample comprised 12
patients (7 males and 5 females) with a mean age of 5 years at diagnosis, who underwent oncological treatment in the head and
neck region. Half exhibited facial bone hypoplasia, predominantly mandibular (33.33%) over maxillary (16.67%). Nearly all
patients showed dental abnormalities, including agenesis (50%), supernumerary teeth (16.67%), and root formation anomalies
(66%). Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of understanding these treatment-related alterations to ensure
appropriate dental care for these patients. The involvement of a dental surgeon is crucial to providing comprehensive care and
effectively monitoring any dental and maxillofacial complications.

Author Biographies

Kaio Heide Sampaio Nobrega, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, Stomatology – São Paulo (SP), Brazil.

Resident in Oral Medicine at Department of Stomatology, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Riéli Elis Schulz, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, Stomatology – São Paulo (SP), Brazil.

Residency in Stomatology at the Department of Stomatology, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Currently PhD student in a post-graduation program in oral diagnosis at the Federal University of Santa Catarina.

Fábio Abreu Alves, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, Stomatology – São Paulo (SP), Brazil.

Head of Department of Stomatology, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Cecilia Maria Lima da Costa, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, Pediatric Oncology – São Paulo (SP), Brazil.

Department of Pediatric Oncology, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Juliane Piragine Araujo, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, Stomatology – São Paulo (SP), Brazil.

Department of Stomatology, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

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Published

2024-11-05

How to Cite

1.
Sampaio Nobrega KH, Schulz RE, Alves FA, Lima da Costa CM, Araujo JP. Dental and maxillofacial outcomes in childhood head and neck cancer survivors: a retrospective study and dental care considerations. J Oral Diagn [Internet]. 2024 Nov. 5 [cited 2024 Dec. 12];9. Available from: https://joraldiagnosis.com/revista/article/view/246

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