Evaluation of Oral and Dental complications caused by Cyclophosphamide in patients with breast cancer in the Shahid-Mostafa Hospital, Ilam, 2019

Abstract

Introduction: The use of chemotherapy over many years has attracted the attention of cancer patients for the treatment or prolongation of significant benefits, but unfortunately, in addition to all the advantages it has, there are consequences. Side effects of chemotherapy in the oral-pink area include inflammation, mouth ulcers, increased prevalence of viral, fungal, bacterial and bleeding infections. These side effects cause significant pain, malnutrition, and even, in some cases, a reduction in the amount of chemotherapy used by the treating physician. The aim of this study was to determine the oral and dental complications caused by cyclophosphamide in patients with breast cancer in the Department of Chemotherapy of Shahid Mostafa Hospital, Ilam Province in 2019. Materials and Method: The present study is an analytical-cross-sectional study performed on patients with breast cancer at Shahid Mostafa Hospital in Ilam in 2019-2020 and a researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect information. Results: The mean age of patients was 8.81±50.89 and their age range was between 36 and 69 years, and the mean body mass index was 2.56±24.18 and the range was between 29-19. All patients were female. 68.1% of dental patients, 20.3% had no dental caries, and 11.6% had no debar. The results showed that 89.9% of the patients had oral and dental complications with the use of silcophosphamide. 44.9% of patients had mild mucositis, none of them had moderate mucositis, and 55.1% had severe mucositis. Significant relationships were also found between dry mouth and the severity of mucositis. Patients with low- and moderate-grade dry mouth with severe mucositis were reported to be 31.3 and 75 percent, respectively. Conclusion: In the case of mucositis, the importance of oral hygiene in cancer patients should be emphasized. Although there is no scientific evidence that oral hygiene plays a role in the prevention and treatment of mucositis, most researchers believe that oral hygiene can reduce the duration and severity of mucositis.