Dentist Role in Oral Treatment Before Head Neck Cancer Therapy

Background: Various intra-oral conditions can be found in patient prior the cancer treatment that might include lesions associated with decreased immunity, such as viral infections and fungal infections. Dentist has a significant role to prepare the oral cavity to be in the best possible condition, in order to minimize oral disturbance and complaints of cancer patients. Objective: The purpose of this article is to review the importance of intra-oral treatment prior cancer therapy in patients with head and neck cancer. Case Report: A 35-years-old male patient was referred from the ENT Department, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital with suspected Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma for investigating the intra oral focal infection sources. Intra oral examination revealed various focal infection sources and pseudomembranous candidiasis. The candidiasis was completely healed after antifungal medication. Conclusion: Dentists' role in preparing the oral condition prior cancer treatment is very important to reduce further oral complication. All oral lesions including fungal infection should be treated before the commencement of cancer treatment.