Dental Management of Hyposalivation Secondary to Thyroid Cancer in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report
Keywords:
hyposalivation, xerostomia in the elderly, xerostomia (dry mouth), malignant neoplasm of thyroid glandAbstract
Xerostomia is a common concern leading patients to seek dental care, often presenting with difficult chewing, altered taste, inability to tolerate spicy foods, denture-related issues, and other oral health problems. Causes include head and neck radiotherapy, autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, musculoskeletal disorders, endocrine disorders, neurological disorders, infections, genetic abnormalities, dehydration, and medications (especially anticholinergic and antimuscarinic drugs, which are frequently used in the elderly with multiple comorbidities and contribute to reduced salivary flow). Dentists play a crucial role in the examination, diagnosis, and prevention of complications through appropriate management. This article reports the case of a 69-year-old Thai female with a history of surgically and radioiodine-treated thyroid cancer (currently in remission), presenting with xerostomia, dysgeusia, and oral burning sensation upon ingesting spicy food. Clinical history and examination revealed xerostomia with salivary gland hypofunction, edentulous ridges in both maxilla and mandible, and angular cheilitis. Following comprehensive dental treatment, including the provision of complete dentures and management of xerostomia, the patient experienced improved oral moisture, normal dietary function, and reduced subjective feeling of dry mouth.
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ลิขสิทธิ์บทความเป็นของผู้เขียนบทความ แต่หากผลงานของท่านได้รับการพิจารณาตีพิมพ์ลงวารสารแพทย์เขต 4-5 จะคงไว้ซึ่งสิทธิ์ในการตีพิมพ์ครั้งแรกด้วยเหตุที่บทความจะปรากฎในวารสารที่เข้าถึงได้ จึงอนุญาตให้นำบทความในวารสารไปใช้ประโยชน์ได้ในเชิงวิชาการโดยจำเป็นต้องมีการอ้างอิงถึงชื่อวารสารอย่างถูกต้อง แต่ไม่อนุญาตให้นำไปใช้ในเชิงพาณิชย์
