An overview of the oral complications of adult patients with malignant haematological conditions who have undergone radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

The aim of this review is to look at mouth-care in adult patients with malignant haematological conditions and in particular those with disturbed immunity or bone marrow depression due to radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The oral assessment tools available will be discussed. Different products used and research to support their use will be examined, as well as any staging systems for their introduction to the patient's schedule. The awareness of the nurses who use them will also be investigated. Patient education has been found to be the most important aspect of mouth-care in the haematology patient undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Further research into the area of developing a specific tool for use with haematology patients with oral problems is highlighted here, as is further liaison with dental hygienists. Aspects of this review may apply more generally to other patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy.