19 - Dental and Medical Considerations for Patients with Childhood Cancer

Abstract:

Introduction: In 2025 in the United States, it is estimated that about 9,500 children under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with childhood cancer. Children with cancer are at an increased risk for dental caries, infection, and oral pathology, such as mucositis and cheilitis. Establishing a proper oral hygiene routine and identifying potential sources of dental infection prior to cancer treatment should always be considered for this patient population. Providing multidisciplinary care, assessing laboratory values, identifying treatment needs, and determining appropriate timing to complete treatment for each individual patient is important. Laboratory values such as platelet count and absolute neutrophil count should be assessed to determine if prophylactic antibiotics are indicated and what supportive measures may be needed to minimize bleeding.
Case report: This case report focuses on a 9-year-old female diagnosed with Plasmablastic Lymphoma (PBL), an aggressive subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and highlights the importance of a dental examination and treatment of dental needs in patients with childhood cancer. As part of the preparation for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Children’s) Pediatric Dentistry department was consulted to examine the patient during an admission for chemotherapy. The patient was later seen in the pediatric dentistry outpatient clinic for completion of dental treatment. The dental treatment that was completed, rationale behind treatment, pertinent lab values, and other considerations will be discussed in this report.

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