Cancer-related oral considerations:implications and treatment

摘要

Cancer is the leading cause of disease worldwide. An estimated 12.7 million new cancer cases occurred in 2008. Cancer of the lip and oral cavity accounted for 2% of cancer cases worldwide. In 2010 6539 people were diagnosed with oral cancer in the UK with 1985 deaths (Ferlay et al, 2008).Oral mucositis describes the inflammation of the oral mucosal lining resulting from chemotherapeutic agents or radiation (Sonis et al, 2004). The cells in the inner surface of the mouth usually turn over at a rapid rate and are therefore more sensitive to the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It typically manifests as erythema or ulcerative lesions in the oral mucosa.