Nose cancer patients are often required to visit their dentist before undergoing radiotherapy.
Nose cancer patients are sometimes puzzled that their oncologist recommend they go for a dental examination before any radiation therapy (radiotherapy). After all, what does dental care have to do with nose cancer?
Dr Christina Sim, Senior Consultant, Prosthodontic Unit, Department of Restorative Dentistry, National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS), a member of the SingHealth group, explains the connection between the two. “Radiotherapy of the head and neck can have oral side effects which results in long term complications such as limited mouth opening, dental decay and bone death. Hence, oral care is aimed at preventing these problems before they occur,” she says.
Side effects of nose cancer radiotherapy
Many of the side effects appear within two to three weeks of treatment but can increase throughout the duration of the treatment. Although some are temporary, others may be permanent.
The common side effects of radiotherapy for head and neck cancers (including nose cancer) include:
Read on to learn how to minimise the oral side effects of radiotherapy for nose cancer.
Ref: M19
Contributed by
Get the Health Buddy App
© 2025 SingHealth Group. All Rights Reserved.