Sebnem Nezahat Kocan
Osmangazi University, Turkey
Title: Childhood cancer and pediatric dentistry: A review
Biography
Biography: Sebnem Nezahat Kocan
Abstract
Cancer is rare in pediatric patients. According to 2014 World Cancer Report, childhood cancer incidence changes between 50 and 200 per million children. About 0.5-4.6% of total cancer rate are childhood cancers. It is characterized by different environmental, genetic effects and the proliferation of cells faster than normal. The cancers seen in children under 15 years of age are considered as childhood cancers and their symptoms may be confused with other diseases. Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, and the most common subtype is acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After that, the other common cancers are brain tumors and lymphomas. Most common brain tumors in pediatric patients are glioma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma. Early diagnosis is important in terms of facilitating treatment and increasing the survival rate. It shows systemic symptoms as well as oral symptoms. Radiotherapy and agents using at chemotherapy have some effects on oral mucosa, teeth and other oral tissues. Dentists should have knowledge about the oral symptoms of childhood cancer and management of oral health before, during and after childhood cancer treatment. Present presentation is aimed to review and update the current knowledge about management and oral symptoms of childhood cancer in pediatric dentistry.