MAIN ORAL MANIFESTATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH CHEMOTHERAPY IN ADULT CANCER PATIENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Authors

  • Mariana Araujo da Rocha
  • Anna Clara Pereira Moura
  • Ires de Souza Nunes
  • Paulo Nilo da Silva Araújo
  • Ricardo dos Santos Barbosa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63330/sasciencesv6n2-179

Keywords:

Antineoplastic Agents, Oral Manifestations, Role of the Dentist

Abstract

This study analyzes the main oral manifestations resulting from antineoplastic chemotherapy in adult cancer patients. It is a descriptive literature review with a qualitative approach, based on searches of the PubMed database, books, and relevant institutional documents. The study aims to understand the mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced toxicity in the oral mucosa, identify associated risk factors, and discuss the importance of the dental surgeon’s role within the multidisciplinary oncology team. The results revealed that oral mucositis, xerostomia, dysgeusia, and opportunistic infections, especially oropharyngeal candidiasis, are the most common complications. These conditions cause pain, impair eating and speech, compromise nutritional status and the immune response, and may lead to a reduction in dosage or the interruption of anticancer treatment. It is concluded that preventive and continuous dental care is essential to mitigate the severity of these lesions, diagnose oral complications early, and ensure a better quality of life and safety for the patient throughout comprehensive cancer care.

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Published

2026-09-09

How to Cite

da Rocha, M. A. ., Moura, A. C. P. ., Nunes, I. de S. ., Araújo, P. N. da S. ., & Barbosa, R. dos S. . (2026). MAIN ORAL MANIFESTATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH CHEMOTHERAPY IN ADULT CANCER PATIENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW. South American Sciences, 6(2), e26405. https://doi.org/10.63330/sasciencesv6n2-179

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): South American Sciences

Section

Artigos

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