Oral Health Status in patients with Head and Neck Cancer prior to Radiotherapy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Head and neck cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx are among the most common types of cancers reported in our country. Tobacco use, particularly smoking and smokeless tobacco consumption, is a significant risk factor. Consumption of tobacco in smokeless form is especially widespread in India and has been linked to oral cancers, which is a significant subset of head and neck  cancer. Radiotherapy, a common treatment for these cancers, is associated with severe oral and dental side effects, such as xerostomia and osteoradionecrosis, which can cause significant morbidity and impact a patient’s quality of life by affecting functions like chewing, swallowing, and speaking. This study aims to assess the oral health status of head and neck cancer patients before radiotherapy, investigate the prevalence of associated risk factors for poor oral health and to assess the treatment outcome on 6 months follow-up basis. The findings could help in developing targeted dental treatment plans to mitigate the adverse effects of radiotherapy, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Participants aged 18+ with head and neck cancer, untreated or post-surgery and scheduled for radiotherapy, visiting the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, will be recruited after informed consent (English/Kannada). The study protocol will undergo Department, Institutional, and KH Ethics Committee review, with CTRI registration will be done Data collection will include case history, demographics, medical history, oral habits, and standardized oral examination following WHO guidelines. Data will be entered in Excel and analyzed using SPSS v23 with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests.