Oral health care protocol for patients with head and neck cancer

Abstract

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the malignant neoplasms with the greatest clinical impact, due to its high prevalence and the associated functional and psychosocial effects. Treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy often lead to adverse effects in the oral cavity, including mucositis, xerostomia, dysgeusia, osteoradionecrosis, and opportunistic infections. These complications can impair quality of life and affect adherence to cancer treatment. In this context, the present work introduces a clinical dental protocol for students, faculty, and dental professionals, focused on the comprehensive care of patients with HNC. The protocol was developed based on current scientific literature and provides practical guidelines and flowcharts to support the dental team’s decision-making across cancer therapy's pre-treatment, concurrent, and post-treatment phases. This proposal seeks to offer technical, practical, and safe support, contributing to the prevention and management of oral complications, the improvement of clinical outcomes, and the promotion of patients' quality of life.

Keywords: Oral Manifestations; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Oral Health; Clinical Protocols; Mucositis.