Keywords
Radiotherapy
Oral mucositis
Aloe vera
Laser therapy
How to Cite
Copyright © | All rights reserved.
The journal holds the exclusive copyright for the publication of this article under the terms of Brazilian law 9610/98.
Partial reproduction
The use of parts of the texts, figures and questionnaire of the article is free, being mandatory the citation of the authors and journal.
Total reproduction
It is expressly prohibited and must be authorized by the journal.
Abstract
Objective: To report the case of an oncological patient diagnosed with head and neck cancer (HNC) and subjected to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, focusing on the treatment consequences and prevention and recovery measures used. Case details: A 55-year-old male patient diagnosed with HNC, with a history of smoking for 10 years and daily alcohol consumption for 28 years, sought medical care due to a complaint of a growing neck nodule for 5 months. Following the complaint, exams were requested for investigation, resulting in a diagnosis of base of tongue cancer. Treatment began immediately, involving radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy (CT), and surgery. To prevent and alleviate side effects of treatment, such as xerostomia and dysphagia, as well as recover from inevitable complications, the patient resorted to herbal therapy with aloe vera, laser therapy, physical therapy, Pilates, nutritional supplementation, and artificial saliva use, achieving good results. Final considerations: The knowledge and application of preventive and supportive therapies to combat the side effects of oncological treatment are of utmost importance to preserve patients' quality of life and increase treatment tolerability.
References
ALFOUZAN AFNAN F. Radiation therapy in head and neck cancer. Saudi Medical Journal, 2021; 42(3): 247–254.
BEUREN AG, et al. Preventive measures for the progression of dysphagia in patients with cancer of head and neck subjected to radiotherapy: a systematic review with meta-analysis. CoDAS, 2023; 35(2): 20230023.
BRASIL. MINISTÉRIO DA SAÚDE. Ações de enfermagem para o controle do câncer. Rio de Janeiro: INCA, 2008; 3.
BROOK I. Early side effects of radiation treatment for head and neck cancer. Cancer/Radiothérapie, 2021; 25(5): 507–513.
CHUTIA A, et al. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of aloe vera: a comprehensive review. international journal of scientific research in engineering and management (IJSREM), 2024; 8(8): 1-14.
COHEN EEW, et al. American Cancer society head and neck cancer survivorship care guideline. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 2016; 66(3): 203–239.
DAUGĖLAITĖ G, et al. Prevention and Treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy induced oral Mucositis. Medicina, 2019; 55(2): 25.
FREITAS DA, et al. Sequelas bucais da radioterapia de cabeça e pescoço. Rev. CEFAC, 2011; 13(6): 1103-1108.
GARCÍA PERIS P. 12th “Jesús Culebras” Lesson. Feeding and nutrition in patients with head and neck cancer - A permanent challenge. Nutricion Hospitalaria, 2022; 39(1): 217–222.
GORMLEY M, et al. Reviewing the epidemiology of head and neck cancer: definitions, trends and risk factors. British Dental Journal, 2022; 233(9): 780-786.
HOFF PMG. Tratado de oncologia. São Paulo: Atheneu, 2013; 1: 99.
HUNTER M, et al. Toxicities caused by head and neck cancer treatments and their influence on the development of malnutrition: review of the literature. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 2020; 10(4): 935-949.
NATHAN CAO, et al. Current management of xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients. American Journal of Otolaryngology, 2023; 44(4): 103867.
OWENS D, et al. Head and neck cancer explained: an overview of management pathways. British Dental Journal, 2022; 233(9): 721-725.
PEZDIREC M, et al. Swallowing disorders after treatment for head and neck cancer. Radiology and Oncology, 2019; 53(2): 225-230.
SAHEBJAMEE M, et al. Comparative efficacy of aloe vera and benzydamine mouthwashes on radiation-induced oral mucositis: a triple-blind, randomised, controlled clinical trial. Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry, 2015; 13(4): 309-315.
SANTOS JNA, et al. Análise de Reações Adversas após o Tratamento da Radioterapia em Adultos com Câncer de Cabeça e Pescoço. Revista Brasileira de Cancerologia, 2019; 65(4): 12648.
STROJAN P, et al. Treatment of late sequelae after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Cancer Treatment Reviews, 2017; 59: 79–92.
WELLS RHC, et al. CID-10: Classificação estatística internacional de doenças e problemas relacionados à saúde. São Paulo: EDUSP, 2011.
ZECHA JAEM, et al. Low level laser therapy/photobiomodulation in the management of side effects of chemoradiation therapy in head and neck cancer: part 1. Supportive Care in Cancer, 2016; 24(6): 2781-2792.