Manifestations and management of the cancer patient

By Anita Roth, RDH, BSDH

There are one million new cases of cancer diagnosed each year and approximately 400,000 people will develop oral complications from their treatment .¹ Cancer begins in cells, the building blocks that make up tissue. Tissues make up the organs of the body. Cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old, they die, and new cells take their place.² When this undertaking goes amiss, extra cells form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant.

Optimal management of the cancer patient involves an interdisciplinary approach that requires assessment, communication, and interaction among the health-care team during all stages of cancer therapy.³ Oral complications from cancer therapies can compromise patientsʼ health, quality of life, and the ability to complete the planned cancer treatment.³ Lack of information about the importance and implementation of oral care during cancer treatment is a major barrier to implementation of systemic oral care protocols.

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