Photobiomodulation as complementary treatment of oral mucositis in pediatric cancer patients. Case report.

Abstract

Introduction: Oral mucositis (OM) is the most common acute complication in cancer patients who have received chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment of the head and neck. This side effect occurs in the parakeratinized mucosa of the oral cavity in a generalized way. Clinically, it begins as areas of erythema, which progress to produce severe ulceration. The patient's main complaint is pain, malodour, and necrotic debris that develop 7 to 14 days after the start of chemotherapy/radiotherapy. These effects compromise the prognosis of patients, since in some cases it is necessary to interrupt treatment due to the severity of these complications. OM is usually treated with hyaluronic acid, topical anesthetics, and cold therapy; however, photobiomodulation has proven to be a safe complementary treatment alternative to achieve analgesic, anti-inflammatory, edema reduction, and biostimulation effects that favor tissue repair. Case report: A 9-year-old male patient was admitted to the National Pediatric Oncology Unit (UNOP) with a diagnosis of Acute Lymphoid Leukemia. After the second phase of chemotherapy, the patient presented multiple vermilion ulcerative lesions on the upper and lower lips, floor of the mouth, and tongue. As a complementary therapy to the topical application of hyaluronic acid, low intensity laser was used. Significant changes were observed during daily follow-ups, until complete tissue repair was achieved at 7 days. Conclusions: Photobiomodulation can be used as a complementary treatment for BM in pediatric cancer patients to minimize acute symptoms produced as an effect of chemotherapy/radiotherapy and accelerate the repair of affected tissues.