Effect of Radiation on the Performance of the
Stomatognathic System – a Pilot Study
Andre MM. Dante1, Carla MD. Santos1, Marcelo Palinkas1*,Joao BM. Lellis1, Selma Siessere1,
Marisa Semprini1, Helio M. Tanimoto2, Bruno Ferreira1,3, Gabriel PD. Silva1,3, Regiane AF. Lellis1
and Simone CH. Regalo1
1Department of Morphology, Stomatology and Basic Pathology, Ribeirao Preto Dental School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
2Department of Dentistry, Barretos Cancer Hospital - Pio XII, Barretos, Brazil
3Department of Physiotherapy, University Center UNIFAFIBE, Bebedouro; Brazil
2Department of Dentistry, Barretos Cancer Hospital - Pio XII, Barretos, Brazil
3Department of Physiotherapy, University Center UNIFAFIBE, Bebedouro; Brazil
*Corresponding author: Marcelo Palinkas, Department of Morphology, Stomatology and Basic Pathology, Ribeirao Preto Dental School, University of
Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, Tel: +55-163-602-0182; E-mail: marcelopalinkas@hotmail.com
Received: July 31, 2014; Accepted: September 15, 2014; Published: October 03, 2014
Citation: Dante AMM, Santos CMD, Palinkas M, Lellis JBM, Siessere S, et al. (2014) Effect of Radiation on the Performance of the
Stomatognathic System – a Pilot Study. J Dent Oral Disord Ther 2(3): 1-5. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15226/jdodt.2014.00121
Abstract Top
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Electromyography
(EMG), thickness of the masseter and temporal muscles, maximal
bite force in individuals with head and neck cancer treated with
radiotherapy. The patterns of the muscle activity were evaluated by
means of the EMG recordings of the masseter and temporal muscles;
bilaterally during the following clinical conditions: rest, protrusion,
right and left lateral excursions and Maximum Habitual Intercuspation
(MHI). Muscle thickness was evaluated using ultrasound at rest and in
MHI. Maximal bite force in the right and left molar regions of 10 fully
dentate individuals with head and neck cancer was evaluated after
radiotherapy and compared with a control group. The EMG means
showed that at rest, protrusion, and left lateral excursion, there were
statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). On evaluation with
ultrasound, the muscle thickness values were higher for individuals
with head and neck cancer at rest and in MIH, with statistically
significant results found only for the right temporal during the MIH.
Participants with head and neck cancer treatment were evaluated
in the present study showed higher electromyographic activity
when compared with the control group for all clinical situations.
The treatment used with patients undergoing head and neck cancer
increased the electromyographic activity, the muscle thickness, and
the bite force when compared to control subjects. The results suggest
a muscle dysfunction of the stomatognathic system in individuals
with head and neck cancer treatment evaluated in the present study.
Keywords: Head and neck cancer; Electromyography; Ultrasound; Bite Force; Stomatognathic System
Keywords: Head and neck cancer; Electromyography; Ultrasound; Bite Force; Stomatognathic System
Introduction Top
Cancer is considered as an extremely complex genetic disease,
which results from concomitant changes in genes usually related
to proliferation, differentiation and cell death. Head and neck
tumors include a wide variety of malignancies that originates
in the mucosa of the upper aero digestive tract, and account for
approximately 5% of all new diagnosed tumors [1,2].
Dentistry plays an important role in the various therapeutic phases against cancer, either before surgery, where a prior assessment can effectively reduce complications from infectious or chronic inflammatory processes of oral origin, or in prevention of oral sequelae such as Osteoradionecrosis (ORN), which occurs as a complication of radiation therapy [3].
Radiotherapy to the head and neck can cause temporary side effects and several adverse reactions in soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity and in the adjacent areas. Sometimes it can cause immediate and/or long-lasting side effects that develop months or even years later which are associated with the dose applied, the type of radiation, and the characteristics of the tissue cells involved. When a patient undergoes surgery combined with radiotherapy, functional and aesthetic rehabilitation may be necessary [4-6].
The vulnerability of the stomatognathic functions due to the lesions caused by head and neck cancer can impair mastication, swallowing, speech, facial appearance and salivary flow. Therefore, the types and intensity of these side effects may vary from person to person, even when it is the same lesion and the same stage of disease [7].
The knowledge of the organization and morpho-functional efficiency of the stomatognathic system in individuals with head and neck cancer, who have undergone radiation treatment, is extremely important to understand the functions of the masticatory muscles. This fact has stimulated the development of this research, which aims to collaborate with professionals in the area and also with individuals suffering from this disease.
Dentistry plays an important role in the various therapeutic phases against cancer, either before surgery, where a prior assessment can effectively reduce complications from infectious or chronic inflammatory processes of oral origin, or in prevention of oral sequelae such as Osteoradionecrosis (ORN), which occurs as a complication of radiation therapy [3].
Radiotherapy to the head and neck can cause temporary side effects and several adverse reactions in soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity and in the adjacent areas. Sometimes it can cause immediate and/or long-lasting side effects that develop months or even years later which are associated with the dose applied, the type of radiation, and the characteristics of the tissue cells involved. When a patient undergoes surgery combined with radiotherapy, functional and aesthetic rehabilitation may be necessary [4-6].
The vulnerability of the stomatognathic functions due to the lesions caused by head and neck cancer can impair mastication, swallowing, speech, facial appearance and salivary flow. Therefore, the types and intensity of these side effects may vary from person to person, even when it is the same lesion and the same stage of disease [7].
The knowledge of the organization and morpho-functional efficiency of the stomatognathic system in individuals with head and neck cancer, who have undergone radiation treatment, is extremely important to understand the functions of the masticatory muscles. This fact has stimulated the development of this research, which aims to collaborate with professionals in the area and also with individuals suffering from this disease.
Material and MethodsTop
Patients
A hundred and twenty seven individuals undergoing post
radiotherapy were evaluated at the Hospital de Cancer de
Barretos/Pio XII (Sao Paulo-Brazil), during the period of 2011
and 2012 and twenty subjects, between the ages of 15 to 55
years (+3.0) were included in the final sample according to the
inclusion and exclusion criteria for participation. The sample was selected by means of anamneses, clinical exams, and
possible Temporomandibular Dysfunction symptoms (TMD). All
subjects need to be fully dentate, Caucasian, nasal breathers, had
normal occlusion and no parafunctional habits and symptoms of
Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD).
The patients were divided into two groups: Group I (n = 10), patients with head and neck cancer in different regions (retromolar trigone, tongue, salivary gland, larynx, skin of the face, skull, brain and lymph nodes on the left side), stages III and IV, classified as resectable or not, treated with six month of radiotherapy, and Group II (n = 10), healthy individuals (Control) consisted of patients selected by comparing subject to subject (age, gender and Body Mass Index - BMI).
This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Hospital de Câncer de Barretos/São Paulo/Brazil (process number 369/2010) in compliance with the Resolution 466/12 of the Brazilian National Health Council. The patients and those responsible for minor participants were informed about the experiment and agreed to take part in the study by signing an informed consent form.
The patients were divided into two groups: Group I (n = 10), patients with head and neck cancer in different regions (retromolar trigone, tongue, salivary gland, larynx, skin of the face, skull, brain and lymph nodes on the left side), stages III and IV, classified as resectable or not, treated with six month of radiotherapy, and Group II (n = 10), healthy individuals (Control) consisted of patients selected by comparing subject to subject (age, gender and Body Mass Index - BMI).
This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Hospital de Câncer de Barretos/São Paulo/Brazil (process number 369/2010) in compliance with the Resolution 466/12 of the Brazilian National Health Council. The patients and those responsible for minor participants were informed about the experiment and agreed to take part in the study by signing an informed consent form.
Electromyographic analysis
For the EMG recording, the Myosystem-BR1 apparatus
DataHomins Tecnologia Ltd was used with simultaneous
acquisition, common grounding to all channels, low-pass filters
of 10 Hz-kHz, channel input impedance of 10 GO in differential
mode, 12 bytes of dynamic resolution range, an amplitude band
of -10V to +10V and a channel and a channel sampling frequency
of 2 kHz. For signal visualization and processing, the Myosystem
I version 3.5 software was used, which allowed the analogue
signals to be amplified with a 1000X gain, filtered by 0.01-1.5
kHz bandpass filter and sampled by 12-b A/D converter with
an acquisition frequency of 2 kHz. Surface differential active
electrodes (two 1-mm long and 2-mm wide silver-chloride bars,
separated by a distance of 10 mm, with input impedance of 10
GO and a common mode rejection ratio of 130 db at 60 Hz) were
used in this study.
The skin area where the electrodes were placed was cleaned with alcohol to reduce skin impedance, before positioning the electrodes on the masticatory muscles according to the recommendations of SENIAN, 1999 [8]. A stainless steel circular electrode was fixed to the skin in the wrist region and used as a reference electrode.
The evaluation of the muscle activity was performed using electromyographic recordings of masseter and temporal muscles, bilaterally, in the following mandibular postural conditions: rest (4 s), dental clenching in voluntary contraction (4 s) and dental clenching with parafilm M® (Pechinery Plastic Packaging, Batavia, IL, USA) (4 s); in the following clinical conditions: maximal right lateral excursion (10 s), maximal left excursion (10 s) with dental contact, and maximal mandibular protrusion with dental contact (10 s).
During EMG recording, the patient sat on a comfortable chair, with head and trunk erect, the soles of the feet on the ground and the hands resting on the thighs. The participants were given detailed instructions prior to the examination, and were asked to be relaxed, breathing slowly.
The skin area where the electrodes were placed was cleaned with alcohol to reduce skin impedance, before positioning the electrodes on the masticatory muscles according to the recommendations of SENIAN, 1999 [8]. A stainless steel circular electrode was fixed to the skin in the wrist region and used as a reference electrode.
The evaluation of the muscle activity was performed using electromyographic recordings of masseter and temporal muscles, bilaterally, in the following mandibular postural conditions: rest (4 s), dental clenching in voluntary contraction (4 s) and dental clenching with parafilm M® (Pechinery Plastic Packaging, Batavia, IL, USA) (4 s); in the following clinical conditions: maximal right lateral excursion (10 s), maximal left excursion (10 s) with dental contact, and maximal mandibular protrusion with dental contact (10 s).
During EMG recording, the patient sat on a comfortable chair, with head and trunk erect, the soles of the feet on the ground and the hands resting on the thighs. The participants were given detailed instructions prior to the examination, and were asked to be relaxed, breathing slowly.
Ultrasound analysis
Muscle thickness analyses were performed with a portable
SonoSite Titan ultrasound tool, nationalized, using a 56 mm/10
MHz linear-array transducer. During the exam, an optimized
imaging was obtained. Initially, the temporal and masseter
muscles were located by palpation and transducer movement.
The participants remained seated, leaning on the backrest with
the head unrestrained.
Three exams were performed in the following clinical condition: rest and maximal voluntary contraction, with an interval of 2 min between each acquisition for the participants to relax and rest. For the exam, the linear transducer was placed in the middle of the muscle, transversally to the muscle fibers. Ultrasound images were obtained from temporal and masseter muscles (right and left). Measures were taken directly over the image in the moment of its acquisition, with an approximation of 0.1 mm.
Three exams were performed in the following clinical condition: rest and maximal voluntary contraction, with an interval of 2 min between each acquisition for the participants to relax and rest. For the exam, the linear transducer was placed in the middle of the muscle, transversally to the muscle fibers. Ultrasound images were obtained from temporal and masseter muscles (right and left). Measures were taken directly over the image in the moment of its acquisition, with an approximation of 0.1 mm.
Bite force
The bite force recordings were taken with a digital mouthadapted
1000 N dynamometer; model IDDK (Kratos, Cotia, SP,
Brazil). The device has two arms with Teflon disks on each end,
over which the bite force is applied and recorded.
The measures were taken from the mandibular right and left first molar regions, where the maximal bite force occurs [9,10]. During the procedure, the patients sat on a chair, with the arms extended along the body and the hands lying on the thighs, and were instructed and trained on how to bite the dynamometer, to ensure the reliability of the procedure. For each patient, the apparatus was cleaned with alcohol and disposable latex finger cots (Wariper-SP, Brazil) were positioned on the biting arms as a biosecurity measure.
Three measures were taken from each side, with a 2-min rest interval between records. The highest out of three records was regarded as the maximal bite force [11-13].
The measures were taken from the mandibular right and left first molar regions, where the maximal bite force occurs [9,10]. During the procedure, the patients sat on a chair, with the arms extended along the body and the hands lying on the thighs, and were instructed and trained on how to bite the dynamometer, to ensure the reliability of the procedure. For each patient, the apparatus was cleaned with alcohol and disposable latex finger cots (Wariper-SP, Brazil) were positioned on the biting arms as a biosecurity measure.
Three measures were taken from each side, with a 2-min rest interval between records. The highest out of three records was regarded as the maximal bite force [11-13].
Statistical analysis
The data were submitted to statistical analysis using the
SPSS software, version 19.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc.; Chicago,
IL, USA). A descriptive analysis was performed for each variable
(means, standard deviation). A level of significance of 95% (p < 0.05) was set. The EMG signals in mandibular postural conditions
were normalized during the clinical condition of dental clenching
with parafilm M® and processed using Myosystem - Br1 version
3.56 software. After digitization, the signals were analogically
amplified (with 1000 X gain), filtered (0.01 to 1.5 kHz bandpass
filter), and sampled by a 12-b A/D converter with an acquisition
frequency of 2 kHz.
The data obtained from the electromyographic analyses, ultrasound analysis and maximal molar bite force were compared by means of independent t-test between the groups.
The data obtained from the electromyographic analyses, ultrasound analysis and maximal molar bite force were compared by means of independent t-test between the groups.
ResultsTop
The electromyographic data normalized for the muscles
analyzed in each clinical condition for the two groups are shown
in Table 1.
At rest, Group 1 presented higher EMG activity of the Right Masseter (RM), Left Masseter (LM) and Right Temporal (RT) muscles when compared to Group II, and there was statistically significance for the RM and LT muscles (p < 0.05). The temporal muscles showed hyperactivity when compared to both masseter muscles.
For protrusion, Group I showed higher EMG activity of the bilateral masseter and temporal muscles, when compared to Group II, and there was statistically significant difference for the RM, LM and RT (p < 0.05). The masseter muscles presented hyperactivity when compared to both temporal muscles.
For lateral excursions, there was higher activation of the RT and LM muscles in right lateral excursion, and the EMG acitvity was higher in LT and RM in left lateral excursion during the analysis of both groups. Group I presented higher EMG activity in the masticatory muscles in right lateral excursion, when compared to values obtained from Group II. However, there were no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05).
On the data obtained during left lateral excursion, it was possible to observe greater EMG activity of masseter muscles and left temporal muscle in Group I. However, when compared; data were found to be statistically significant just for the RM muscle (p < 0.05).
During maximal dental clenching, the temporal muscles showed hyperactivity when compared to the masseter muscles (RM and LM) in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the comparisons made (p < 0.05).
The thickness mean values of the masseter and temporal muscles at rest and at maximal voluntary contraction for Groups I and II are presented in Table 2. The results obtained from the ultrasound exam in the rest condition showed higher values in the thickness of these muscles in Group I when compared to Group II. However, the results showed no statistical significance in any of the comparisons made (p < 0.05).
The highest bite force values of the right and left molar are presented in Table 3. The independent t-test showed no statistically significant differences between Groups I and II.
At rest, Group 1 presented higher EMG activity of the Right Masseter (RM), Left Masseter (LM) and Right Temporal (RT) muscles when compared to Group II, and there was statistically significance for the RM and LT muscles (p < 0.05). The temporal muscles showed hyperactivity when compared to both masseter muscles.
For protrusion, Group I showed higher EMG activity of the bilateral masseter and temporal muscles, when compared to Group II, and there was statistically significant difference for the RM, LM and RT (p < 0.05). The masseter muscles presented hyperactivity when compared to both temporal muscles.
For lateral excursions, there was higher activation of the RT and LM muscles in right lateral excursion, and the EMG acitvity was higher in LT and RM in left lateral excursion during the analysis of both groups. Group I presented higher EMG activity in the masticatory muscles in right lateral excursion, when compared to values obtained from Group II. However, there were no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05).
On the data obtained during left lateral excursion, it was possible to observe greater EMG activity of masseter muscles and left temporal muscle in Group I. However, when compared; data were found to be statistically significant just for the RM muscle (p < 0.05).
During maximal dental clenching, the temporal muscles showed hyperactivity when compared to the masseter muscles (RM and LM) in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the comparisons made (p < 0.05).
The thickness mean values of the masseter and temporal muscles at rest and at maximal voluntary contraction for Groups I and II are presented in Table 2. The results obtained from the ultrasound exam in the rest condition showed higher values in the thickness of these muscles in Group I when compared to Group II. However, the results showed no statistical significance in any of the comparisons made (p < 0.05).
The highest bite force values of the right and left molar are presented in Table 3. The independent t-test showed no statistically significant differences between Groups I and II.
DiscussionTop
According to the National Cancer Institute of the Brazilian/
Ministry of Health, the sites most affected by head and neck
cancer are the oral cavity, esophagus, larynx, skin and lymph
vessels. In 2012, the estimated number of new cases of cancer
in the oral cavity was 9,990 in men and 4,180 in women; and
for larynx cancer, it was 6,110 individuals (men and women). In
2010, the number of deaths totaled 3,189 men and 429 women
[14]. The estimated number of cases suggests that the number
of individuals with cancer is increasing as well as the search for
information, diagnosis and treatment.
Table 1:Table 1: Normalized electromyiographic means (microvolts/seconds)
between Group I and Group II (t-test): RMS values for the Right Masseter
(RM), Left Masseter (LM), Right Temporal (RT), Left Temporal (LT)
muscles under different clinical conditions..
|
|
Groups |
|
|
Clinical Condition |
Muscles |
I |
II |
p |
Rest |
RM |
0.07 ± 0.01 |
0.03 ± 0.00 |
0.02 |
LM |
0.07 ± 0.02 |
0.06 ± 0.15 |
0.65 |
|
RT |
0.09 ± 0.02 |
0.08 ± 0.15 |
0.46 |
|
LT |
0.08 ± 0.19 |
0.09 ± 0.26 |
0.00 |
|
Protrusion |
RM |
0.28 ± 0.06 |
0.10 ± 0.02 |
0.00 |
LM |
0.32 ± 0.07 |
0.15 ± 0.04 |
0.01 |
|
RT |
0.19 ± 0.07 |
0.07 ± 0.16 |
0.02 |
|
LT |
0.15 ± 0.05 |
0.10 ± 0.02 |
0.32 |
|
Right laterality |
RM |
0.29 ± 0.04 |
0.10 ± 0.01 |
0.12 |
LM |
0.33 ± 0.06 |
0.21 ± 0.02 |
0.16 |
|
RT |
0.25 ± 0.05 |
0.21 ± 0.04 |
0.86 |
|
LT |
0.14 ± 0.03 |
0.15 ± 0.04 |
0.52 |
|
Left laterality |
RM |
0.22 ± 0.07 |
0.06 ± 0.00 |
0.01 |
LM |
0.17 ± 0.06 |
0.06 ± 0.01 |
0.11 |
|
RT |
0.07 ± 0.01 |
0.08 ± 0.01 |
0.77 |
|
LT |
0.15 ± 0.05 |
0.14 ± 0.04 |
0.75 |
|
Maximal Voluntary Contraction |
RM |
0.77 ± 0.06 |
0.81 ± 0.10 |
0.08 |
LM |
0.81 ± 0.08 |
0.79 ± 0.04 |
0.21 |
|
RT |
0.91 ± 0.10 |
0.86 ± 0.07 |
0.78 |
|
LT |
0.87 ± 0.09 |
0.90 ± 0.07 |
0.90 |
|
Significant ( p < 0.05)
Table 2:Comparison of muscle thickness measured by ultrasound
between Group I and Group II (t-test): data in cm for the Right Masseter
(RM), Left Masseter (LM), Right Temporal (RT) and Left Temporal (LT)
muscles under the different the clinical conditions.
|
|
Groups |
|
|
Clinical Condition |
Muscles |
I |
II |
p |
Rest |
RM |
1.09 ± 0.07 |
0.95 ± 0.03 |
0.12 |
LM |
1.09 ± 0.04 |
0.96 ± 0.04 |
||
RT |
0.82 ± 0.05 |
0.78 ± 0.04 |
0.60 |
|
LT |
0.85 ± 0.05 |
0.79 ± 0.03 |
||
Maximal Voluntary Contraction |
RM |
1.28 ± 0.07 |
1.18 ± 0.03 |
0.31 |
LM |
1.37 ± 0.06 |
1.16 ± 0.06 |
||
RT |
0.95 ± 0.07 |
0.82 ± 0.04 |
0.43 |
|
LT |
0.94 ± 0.06 |
0.86 ± 0.02 |
||
Significant ( p < 0.05)
It was difficult to select individuals with head and neck
cancer that met our inclusion criteria i.e. patients with complete
dentition after undergoing cancer treatment with radiotherapy,
considering that most subjects, prior to treatment, received
indication of dental extraction to avoid osteoradionecrosis [15].
Therefore, only the use of six month of radiotherapy is being
Table 3: Comparison of molar bite force (N) and standard error (t-test)
between Group I and Group II in the molar region.
Bite force |
Groups |
Mean Standard Error |
p |
Right Molar |
I |
490 ± 60 |
0.59 |
II |
420 ± 64 |
||
Left Molar |
I |
481 ± 60 |
0.37 |
II |
451 ± 68 |
Significant ( p < 0.05)
evaluated as a factor of influence on the performance of the
stomatognathic system.
Radiotherapy has deleterious effects on teething in children and adolescents, such as hypodontia, microdontia, altered eruption patterns, and tooth dwarfism. These changes usually occur in individuals under the age of six, where the root surface area decreases due to exposure to radiation, causing the early loss of tooth [16].
The study sample included individuals with ages ranging from 15 to 55 years (only one was 15 and another 16 years old), therefore, it was not possible to observe changes in dentition.
The non-standardized cancer location introduced a possible bias in the results obtained, because each individual evaluated had different locations and types of tumors in the head and neck region, with individualized treatment prescription that were established according to the needs of each individual, with the dosage of irradiation, the irradiated area and number of sessions specific to each type of injury. These data were statistically analyzed to define whether they would interfere on the results obtained. They were considered statistically insignificant, but anyway, they are factors of differentiation. The use of radiotherapy as a treatment was the common factor, following the standards set by the oncologists.
Individuals submitted to the treatment of head and neck cancer usually present depressive symptoms associated with the impairment of masticatory ability caused by the treatment, which can determine changes in the temporomandibular joint, loss and alteration of the masticatory system, loss of teeth i.e. general changes in the oral anatomy [7,16,17].
In this study, it was possible to observe such depressive conditions. Although patients were fully dentate, they reported numerous complaints, most of them related to pain and loss of masticatory function. Reports of discomfort of individuals are based on the electromyography results obtained, which showed greater muscle activation in all clinical conditions evaluated, including at rest, being consistent with individuals with muscular disorders [17-19].
Maintaining proper oral health is as important as planning the treatment of oral cavity cancers, as they are essential to minimize different oral cavity diseases and to avoid more complex surgical interventions, especially when radiation therapy is one of the choice of treatment [7].
Preventive programs of oral hygiene should be initiated prior to radiotherapy. The clinical examination should be performed as soon as possible, since it is not convenient to postpone the oncological treatment.
The teeth with great destruction by caries, with pulpal infection, impacted partly or even teeth proximal to the tumor and deciduous teeth with physiological rizolisis, as well as teeth affected by periodontal disease, extensive periapical lesions and radicular remains should be removed [16].
Tooth loss reduces the number of dental contacts and can cause difficulty in mastication, formation of bolus in preparation for the swallow, and digestion of food [7]. In this study, this was considered a controlled factor for fully dentate individuals, except the third molars, which probably shows that the variations found in the functions of the stomatognathic system could somehow be related to radiation therapy, which is an important local treatment modality. The deleterious effects on tissues after the application of radiation are still unknown, for example, the myoelectric activity, bite force and masticatory muscles thickness.
During the electromyographic examinations, it was observed that the activation behavior of muscle fibers showed a disorganized pattern when compared to the control group. Patients with head and neck cancer evaluated in the present study showed increased electromyographic activity when compared to the control group. This finding is a strong indication of muscular hyperactivity, especially when the electrical activity is evaluated at rest. Several authors report that an increased electrical activity of the masseter and temporal muscles can be a sign of temporomandibular and/or muscular dysfunction [19,20].
In addition to an increased electromyographic activity of the masticatory muscles and bite force of individuals treated for head and neck cancer when compared to controls, an increase in the muscle thickness measures of these individuals was also observed. There is evidence of an association between the activity of the masticatory muscles, the area and the thickness of these muscles [21-24].
The ultrasound examination of the masticatory muscles is a reproducible and easy-to-use method to obtain the function patterns of the masticatory muscles that can be directly correlated with the bite force [25,26]. The results obtained in this study are consistent with these findings. Despite an apparent impairment in the function of the masticatory muscles of individuals exposed to radiation treatments, there was an increase in bite force measures when compared to data collected from controls.
Increased muscle thickness in patients treated in this study may have occurred due to the unbalanced function of these muscles during chewing, which is inherent to the mastication of individuals undergoing radiation treatment. This imbalance is a disordered activation of the muscle fibers during tasks such as chewing, which recruits a great number of fibers to perform, when compared to individuals with normal function.
This overuse of muscle fibers during mastication may be responsible for a muscular hypertrophy determined by an increased muscle thickness [21-24].
Thus, further studies should be carried out to determine the most interfering factors related to treatments of head and neck tumors so that these treatments can be improved without having any influence on the patient’s chances of survival, and therefore, provide better quality of life.
Radiotherapy has deleterious effects on teething in children and adolescents, such as hypodontia, microdontia, altered eruption patterns, and tooth dwarfism. These changes usually occur in individuals under the age of six, where the root surface area decreases due to exposure to radiation, causing the early loss of tooth [16].
The study sample included individuals with ages ranging from 15 to 55 years (only one was 15 and another 16 years old), therefore, it was not possible to observe changes in dentition.
The non-standardized cancer location introduced a possible bias in the results obtained, because each individual evaluated had different locations and types of tumors in the head and neck region, with individualized treatment prescription that were established according to the needs of each individual, with the dosage of irradiation, the irradiated area and number of sessions specific to each type of injury. These data were statistically analyzed to define whether they would interfere on the results obtained. They were considered statistically insignificant, but anyway, they are factors of differentiation. The use of radiotherapy as a treatment was the common factor, following the standards set by the oncologists.
Individuals submitted to the treatment of head and neck cancer usually present depressive symptoms associated with the impairment of masticatory ability caused by the treatment, which can determine changes in the temporomandibular joint, loss and alteration of the masticatory system, loss of teeth i.e. general changes in the oral anatomy [7,16,17].
In this study, it was possible to observe such depressive conditions. Although patients were fully dentate, they reported numerous complaints, most of them related to pain and loss of masticatory function. Reports of discomfort of individuals are based on the electromyography results obtained, which showed greater muscle activation in all clinical conditions evaluated, including at rest, being consistent with individuals with muscular disorders [17-19].
Maintaining proper oral health is as important as planning the treatment of oral cavity cancers, as they are essential to minimize different oral cavity diseases and to avoid more complex surgical interventions, especially when radiation therapy is one of the choice of treatment [7].
Preventive programs of oral hygiene should be initiated prior to radiotherapy. The clinical examination should be performed as soon as possible, since it is not convenient to postpone the oncological treatment.
The teeth with great destruction by caries, with pulpal infection, impacted partly or even teeth proximal to the tumor and deciduous teeth with physiological rizolisis, as well as teeth affected by periodontal disease, extensive periapical lesions and radicular remains should be removed [16].
Tooth loss reduces the number of dental contacts and can cause difficulty in mastication, formation of bolus in preparation for the swallow, and digestion of food [7]. In this study, this was considered a controlled factor for fully dentate individuals, except the third molars, which probably shows that the variations found in the functions of the stomatognathic system could somehow be related to radiation therapy, which is an important local treatment modality. The deleterious effects on tissues after the application of radiation are still unknown, for example, the myoelectric activity, bite force and masticatory muscles thickness.
During the electromyographic examinations, it was observed that the activation behavior of muscle fibers showed a disorganized pattern when compared to the control group. Patients with head and neck cancer evaluated in the present study showed increased electromyographic activity when compared to the control group. This finding is a strong indication of muscular hyperactivity, especially when the electrical activity is evaluated at rest. Several authors report that an increased electrical activity of the masseter and temporal muscles can be a sign of temporomandibular and/or muscular dysfunction [19,20].
In addition to an increased electromyographic activity of the masticatory muscles and bite force of individuals treated for head and neck cancer when compared to controls, an increase in the muscle thickness measures of these individuals was also observed. There is evidence of an association between the activity of the masticatory muscles, the area and the thickness of these muscles [21-24].
The ultrasound examination of the masticatory muscles is a reproducible and easy-to-use method to obtain the function patterns of the masticatory muscles that can be directly correlated with the bite force [25,26]. The results obtained in this study are consistent with these findings. Despite an apparent impairment in the function of the masticatory muscles of individuals exposed to radiation treatments, there was an increase in bite force measures when compared to data collected from controls.
Increased muscle thickness in patients treated in this study may have occurred due to the unbalanced function of these muscles during chewing, which is inherent to the mastication of individuals undergoing radiation treatment. This imbalance is a disordered activation of the muscle fibers during tasks such as chewing, which recruits a great number of fibers to perform, when compared to individuals with normal function.
This overuse of muscle fibers during mastication may be responsible for a muscular hypertrophy determined by an increased muscle thickness [21-24].
Thus, further studies should be carried out to determine the most interfering factors related to treatments of head and neck tumors so that these treatments can be improved without having any influence on the patient’s chances of survival, and therefore, provide better quality of life.
AcknowledgementTop
The authors are grateful to Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa
do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP, Brazil).
ReferencesTop
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