Oral complications associated with immunosuppression and cancer therapies

Manifestations of oropharyngeal infection in immunocompromised patients challenge medical and dental professionals because clinical signs and symptoms may be minimal, and accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment may be difficult. Effective infection control and management of oral symptoms may be achieved by the judicious use of topical and systemic agents and by maintaining good oral hygiene. Prevention of mucosal breakdown, suppression of microbial colonization, control of viral reactivation, and effective management of severe xerostomia are all critical steps to reducing the overall morbidity and mortality of oro-mucosal infections.