Dental approach of orofacial pain in head and neck cancer patients

2018

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…