ABSTRACT
The primary objective in the treatment of a patient with cancer is the eradication of the disease. Over the past 2 decades, tremendous strides have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. However, intensive radiation and/ or chemotherapy protocols disrupt the integrity and function of the tissues of the oral cavity. Complications such as mucosal ulceration, xerostomia, bleeding, and infections can cause significant morbidity and may compromise the systemic treatment of the patient. With proper oral evaluation before systemic treatment, most of the complications can be minimized or prevented.
