Oral Health in Patients With Malignant Neoplasms: a Clinical-epidemiological Study and Analysis of Dental Needs in 421 Patients

Abstract

Cancer is a significant public health problem in both developed and developing countries. In Brazil, it is the second largest cause of death by disease. Medical care in this area is one of the most costly in the health field and includes expenditures for prevention, diagnostic tests, and treatment. The main purpose of this paper was to conduct a clinical-epidemiological investigation of patients with malignant neoplasms that were treated by the special patient's study group (NEPE) in Fortaleza, Ceará State, Brazil, in order to analyze the principle dental needs of these patients. 412 patients were evaluated, representing 20% of all patients treated during the study period. 63% of patients were male and 37% female. The most prevalent age range was 21-60 years, with 162 patients, representing 40% of the sample. The most common type of cancer was oral cavity neoplasm (19%), followed by head-and-neck non-oral cavity neoplasm (18%), lymphoid neoplasm (12%), and leukemia  (8%). Most patients at their first examination needed dental treatment, and 44% required surgical procedures, 43% restorative procedures, and 65% periodontal treatment. We concluded that as of the first oral examination, a significant number of patients needed dental treatment in order to improve their oral health status to achieve an appropriate level for receiving cancer treatment.