Why are cancer patients more prone to oral infections? Expert decodes

 

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“Technically, the oral cavity already contains many bacteria, but because the inner lining is smooth and intact, it typically does not cause many infections. However, when the inner lining becomes damaged due to chemotherapy or radiation, these bacteria can cause further infection. That’s why cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, especially for head and neck cancer, are more prone to developing mouth ulcers and infections,” he explained.

How can you prevent that?

According to Dr Goyle, the key to preventing infections is maintaining good oral hygiene. If oral hygiene is good, the chances of infection are reduced, which helps in preventing complications of chemotherapy.

Certain medications can also predispose patients to fungal infections in the mouth. “If we limit the dosage of these medicines, fungal infections can be reduced. Patients who have conditions like diabetes or poor oral hygiene, or who smoke and use tobacco, are at an even higher risk. Eliminating or addressing these risk factors can further reduce the risk of infections,” he said.

C N Patil, HOD and Lead Consultant – Medical Oncology & Haemato-Oncology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru added that cancer treatments reduce saliva production, disrupt the balance of oral microorganisms, and damage the mucosal lining, making the mouth more vulnerable to infections. In addition to this, the already weakened immune system and nutritional deficiencies in cancer patients further makes them vulnerable to such infections.

Oral infections are common for cancer patients. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Oral infections in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and head and neck radiotherapy can either be prevented or treated early. Dr Goyle said that the most important factor is maintaining good oral hygiene. “If patients can do that, they have already addressed half of the problem. If an infection occurs, it’s up to the doctor to identify it as soon as possible and treat it appropriately. This significantly reduces the problem for the patient,” he mentioned.

Thus, it is both the responsibility of the patient and the doctor. The patient must maintain proper oral hygiene, including regular practices like warm water gargles, salted gargles, or medicinal mouthwashes. The doctor’s responsibility is to identify which patients are prone to infections and implement preventative measures early, rather than waiting for infections to develop.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.