Disturbances in oral and dental structures in patients with pediatric lymphoma after chemotherapy: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of chemotherapy on oral and dental structures and craniofacial growth in 30 survivors of childhood lymphoma.

STUDY DESIGN

Eruption status, root malformations, premature apexification, agenesis, crown anomalies, soft tissue abnormalities, gingival and periodontal status, enamel defects and discolorations, and craniofacial growth status of the subjects were documented and compared with findings in 20 healthy children who served as controls.

RESULTS

Statistically significant (P < .05) differences between the study and control groups were found for plaque index, enamel hypoplasias, discolorations, and agenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study suggest that antineoplastic therapy and/or childhood cancer can result in a higher prevalence of various malformations in teeth. Children treated in the early years of their lives displayed the most severe dental defects, suggesting that immature teeth are at a greater risk of developmental disturbances than fully developed teeth.