The Oncologic Dentist
Patients who are treated with radiation may experience some localized side effects, that is, bodily reactions in the area being irradiated. If a patient has cancer in the head or neck region, the mouth or throat (or both) may fall within the path of the radiation beam. If so, certain special complications can occur which may affect the patient’s dental health.
If the radiation oncologist determines that this is the case for a patient, he or she will recommend evaluation by the Center's oncologic dentist prior to the patients’ radiation treatment. The dentist works closely with the Center’s radiation oncologists to reduce exposure and potential damage to healthy tissues, while also taking steps to promote patients’ dental health. This proactive approach ultimately helps reduce potential side effects such as dental caries and periodontal disease. The dentist may custom-build devices which help block radiation from areas of the mouth which need not be treated. Weekly appointments may be scheduled with the dentist during the course of treatment.
The Clinical Dietician
Maintaining good nutrition and a proper diet is very important if a person is to preserve the energy and strength necessary to combat cancer. Doctors and researchers have found that patients who eat well during their treatment periods -- especially those who eat diets high in protein and calories -- are better able to withstand the side effects and stress related to treatment.
The Center’s clinical dietitian is trained to determine the patient’s nutritional needs and to develop an individualized diet plan that will meet these needs during treatment and recovery. The dietitian often can suggest alternatives if a specific problem restricts the ability of a patient to eat certain foods or if swallowing becomes difficult. Food choices and preparation can be altered to encourage good nutrition and help maintain the patient's ideal body weight. Furnishing helpful literature on nutrition and providing samples of dietary supplements are other ways the dietitian can help patients and their caregivers during treatment.
Patients with tumors in the head and neck area or esophagus see the dietitian weekly. Patients with weight loss, nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea should consult the dietitian as needed. All other patients see the dietitian by request or if a radiation therapist schedules a consultation.
The dietitian is available to answer any nutrition-related questions and will gladly offer suggestions or advice on eating well during treatment, will furnish helpful literature on nutrition, and may even provide samples of dietary supplements for the patient. The clinical dietitian is available to all patients at no charge in Baton Rouge, Hammond and Covington. Visit the front desk for assistance in contacting the clinical dietitian.