Oral Mucosa in Cancer Patients-Putting the Pieces Together: A Narrative Review and New Perspectives.

The oral mucosa is a key player in cancer patients and during cancer treatment. The increasing prevalence of cancer and cancer-therapy-associated side effects are behind the major role that oral mucosa plays in oncological patients. Oral mucositis is a debilitating severe complication caused by the early toxicity of chemo and/or radiotherapy that can restrict treatment outcome possibilities, even challenging a patient's survival. It has been referred to as the most feared cancer treatment complication. Predictive variables as to who will be affected, and to what extent, are still unclear. Additionally, oral mucositis is one of the sources of the increasing economic burden of cancer, not only for patients and their families but also for institutions and governments. All efforts should be implemented in the search for new approaches to minimize the apparently ineluctable outburst of oral mucositis during cancer treatment. New perspectives derived from different approaches to explaining the interrelation between oral mucositis and the oral microbiome or the similarities with genitourinary mucosa may help elucidate the biomolecular pathways and mechanisms behind oral mucosa cancer-therapy-related toxicity, and what is more important is its management in order to minimize treatment side effects and provide enhanced cancer support.

Facially Driven Rehabilitation of a Cleft Lip and Palate Patient with an Implant-Supported Complete Fixed Dental Prosthesis: Outcome of a Multidisciplinary Approach.

Patients with a facial malformation due to a cleft lip and palate (CLP) usually suffer from a reduced ability to function normally associated with a poor oral health-related quality of life. This condition often requires multiple significant surgical interventions, and the prosthetic restoration, when needed, is not always included in the initial treatment plan. In order to obtain the highest possible degree of functional, occlusal, and phonetic performance, as well as esthetics, a facially guided prosthodontic treatment sequence should be established. The case presented in this publication shows a multidisciplinary approach for reconstruction of a compromised maxilla with an implant-supported prosthesis via a minimally invasive, digitalized approach.