Dental Management of the Geriatric Head and Neck Cancer Patient¹

Abstract

The geriatric patient presenting with cancer of the head and neck region constitutes slightly less than half of all oral cancers diagnosed. Cancers of this region are generally treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or combinations of these three. These patients not only present with special problems due to their age but also with challenging ones resulting from treatment of their disease. The dentist plays an important role in evaluating the patient's oral health and providing necessary services prior to any curative treatment. The dental diagnosis and treatment protocol practiced at Memorial Hospital are discussed for each therapeutic modality along with the measures taken for follow up care.

Anatomical sciences: A foundation for a solid learning experience in dental technology and dental prosthetics

“…In addition to the above, the geriatric patient presenting with cancer of the head and neck region constitutes slightly less than half of all oral cancers diagnosed (Schweiger and Salcetti, ). Cancers of this region are generally treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or combinations of the three (Watne, ).…”

“…The patients not only present with special problems due to their age but also with challenges resulting from treatment of their disease. Not only a dentist but also a dental prosthetist plays an important role in evaluating the patient's oral health and providing necessary services prior to any curative treatment (Schweiger and Salcetti, ). It could be necessary for dental prosthetists to explain causes of cancer and explain the changes at a cellular level as well as being able to relate to other clinical considerations.…”