Dental approach of orofacial pain in head and neck cancer patients

Abstract

Background: Orofacial pain (OFP) is an undesirable sensation frequently associated with head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment. OFP negatively impacts the quality of life of oncological patients. The approach to OFP diagnosis and management can differ if the patient visits a dentist or physician. The aim of this study was to present a case series of HNC with OFP managed by a dentist team and to discuss its role in the management of OFP. Material and Methods: We recruited twenty-two adult patients with OFP and previous diagnosis of HNC referred to an academic dental clinic from 2015 to 2017. Results: Nociceptive was more frequent than mixed and neuropathic pain, however 54,4% of the cases showed a neurological component. All types of pain were managed by dentist through removal of pain's cause and appropriated local and systemic treatment. The intensity of pain was reduced in 86,3% of patients, and 45,4% of them reported absence of pain at the end of treatment. Conclusions: Dentist's assessment plays a distinct and crucial role in the diagnosis and management of OFP in HNC patients throughout the oncological treatment.