As implicações do aporte odontológico na sintomática de afecções bucais de pacientes oncológicos hospitalizados

Abstract

Introduction: Antineoplastic treatment often generates oral infections in cancer patients. These changes, when not prevented and treated correctly, can directly interfere in the daily lives of these patients. Objective: To identify the implications of the dental treatment in the symptomatics of oral conditions in hospitalized cancer patients with progressive, advanced and incurable disease. Methodology: this is a qualitative exploratory study conducted with cancer patients hospitalized at the medical clinic of Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria (RS). We used semi-structured and projective interviews, recorded and transcribed in full. Data processing was performed through textual discourse analysis. Results: The oral manifestations reported by patients were oral mucositis, dry mouth, dysgeusia and oral candidiasis, which interfere in the patients' daily lives. No patient received instructions from a dental surgeon before starting cancer treatment. Only one patient received dental treatment, which had positive results with therapy. Participants reported that the participation of dental professionals in hospital environment was important. Final considerations: The study presented some restrictions related to the sample. The dental treatment had a positive impact for the patient who had the opportunity to receive it. It is noted the importance of the dental resident in the multidisciplinary team of oncohematology residents for better care of these patients.