Orthodontic management of patients with hematologic malignancies

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1996 Jun;109(6):575-80. doi: 10.1016/s0889-5406(96)70068-9.

Abstract

More than 50% of pediatric malignancies are leukemias or lymphomas. Oral changes associated with these conditions include: gingival oozing, petechiae, hematomas, ulcerations, gingival pain, gingival hypertrophy, mucosal pallor, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy. Current medical management for patients with hematologic malignancies includes chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, bone marrow transplantation or a combination of these modalities. Nearly 60% of patients diagnosed today with malignancy will be long-term survivors. Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment when a diagnosis of malignancy is made are best served by expedient removal of orthodontic appliances and delivery of retainers. After a patient has completed all cancer therapy and has at least a 2-year event-free survival, orthodontic treatment can be restarted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Gingival Diseases / etiology
  • Hodgkin Disease / drug therapy
  • Hodgkin Disease / radiotherapy
  • Humans
  • Leukemia / complications
  • Leukemia / therapy*
  • Lymphoma / complications
  • Lymphoma / therapy*
  • Male
  • Malocclusion / therapy*
  • Mouth Diseases / etiology
  • Orthodontic Retainers
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Survivors