Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a part of the immune system, and thus, affects the body’s ability to fight germs. The treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma primarily targets the fast-growing cells. Therefore, dental complications from Hodgkin’s lymphoma occur because the cells of the oral cavity lining are also fast-growing and get affected due to treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The article talks in detail about the various treatments for Hodgkin’s lymphoma and the complications of oral health associated with them.
Common Dental and Oral Complications of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Sores: Changes in saliva and compromised immunity due to Hodgkin’s lymphoma can also increase the risk of infection and thus cause sores in the oral cavity.?
- Oral Pain: This pain can arise from the inflammation and irritation in the mouth caused by chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Change in Taste: The nutritional intake of a person and their overall health status get affected due to changes in taste caused by Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Sores of the Membrane of Mouth: These are very painful and affect swallowing, eating, and speaking.
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma also causes dry mouth followed by thickened, reduced, or complete lack of sputum or saliva.
Complications From Treatment of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
1. Chemotherapy: It is an important treatment method for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and lead to various oral or dental health complications, such as
- Bleeding from mouth or gums.
- Change in perception of food and taste.
- Inflammation and sores in the oral cavity (mouth), involving the stomach and intestines also.
- Nerve-related issues also occur that affect how one feels in the mouth.
2. Immunotherapy: This therapy involves using one's immune system to fight cancer. The treatment causes dental complications, such as
- Inflammation of the tongue.
- Change in taste.
- Gum bleeding.
- Tingling or burning feeling in the mouth.
- Reduced saliva production.
- Open sores in the oral cavity.
- Changed taste sensations.
3. Targeted Therapy: This is used to target cancer cells using medicine, but it is comparatively less effective than radiation and chemotherapy. However, targeted therapy also causes dental or oral complications, such as
- Crusting of lips.
- Mouth sores.
Managing Dental Complications of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Dental complications of Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be managed in the following ways:
- One must consult a dentist before undergoing treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma to rule out any infection, or dental extractions required. One should get an extraction done at least two weeks before undergoing treatment for Hodgkin’s.
- During the treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, one must take care of their oral and dental health by brushing teeth twice or thrice a day regularly, sipping water throughout the day, using fluoride paste, avoiding tobacco products, rinsing the mouth with salt solution or baking soda, keep the mouth lubricated with lozenges or sugar-free chewing gums, avoid using alcohol-base mouthwashes, and eat bland and soft meals.
- Also, once the treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma is completed, one must continue their dental appointments regularly, stay alert and cautious about their oral health, and inform the doctor if they experience any change in their oral health condition.