The aim of this study was to follow the long-term effects of radiation therapy of head and neck @entity5 on oral @entity375 colonization, @entity33 and salivary function. Included in this prospective study were 32 @entity1 with intended radiation therapy of a malignancy of the head and neck. In all @entity1 the salivary glands lay within the radiation field and the @entity1 had at least five teeth. The first examination was performed after oral hygiene instruction and removal of questionable teeth before the start of radiotherapy. The following examinations were conducted after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Together with the quantitative determination of Candida colonization, three " @entity33 " variables were assessed: (1) examiner-rated @entity33 score (LENT/SOMA), (2) @entity1 -rated @entity33 , and (3) scintigraphic salivary excretion fraction. The maximum Candida colonization was found 6 months after radiation therapy and this declined to above normal values after 12 months. Salivary flow was at a minimum 6 months after radiation therapy and had slightly recovered by 12 months. Examiner-rated @entity33 and @entity1 -rated @entity2133 showed no significant recovery after 6 or 12 months. The results of this study show slight recovery of the oral ecological system. Although the causal role of a single parameter is not clear, persistently elevated Candida colonization should be taken into account therapeutically.

Long-term oral Candida colonization, XXXX and salivary function after head and neck radiotherapy.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'patient'] @entity5 :: ('MESH:D009369', 'Disease') :: ['malignancies'] @entity2133 :: ('MESH:D014987', 'Disease') :: ['xerostomia'] @entity33 :: ('MESH:D052016', 'Disease') :: ['mucositis symptoms', 'mucositis'] @entity375 :: ('4932', 'Species') :: ['yeast']
@entity33 :: (MESH:D052016,Disease) :: ['mucositis']
