1.INTRODUCTION
Hematological malignancies (HM) account for approximately 40% of all
childhood malignancies 1. Leukemias constitute the
vast majority of childhood HM, and the most common of these is acute
lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) 2.Hematopoietic stem cell
transplantation, chemotherapy (CT), and radiotherapy (RT) are widely
used treatments that increase the survival rates of children with HM. CT
and RT are first-line treatments, but they have acute and chronic
effects on many tissues and organs, which may decrease overall life
expectancy and quality of life (QoL)3 . Oral
complications, such as mucositis, oral ulcerations, bleeding, hematoma,
dysphagia, malnutrition, and infection, which may be life-threatening
and affect survival, can occur depending on the nature of the disease,
treatment, and existing oral health problems4. Oral
health problems negatively affect both children and their
parents5 . The oral hygiene status of a child with HM,
and the education level and socioeconomic status of the parents, affect
the survival and QoL of patients 6. Evaluating oral
health, and preventing and treating oral complications, can improve oral
function and QoL, and reduce morbidity7. Oral
complications during cancer treatment can interrupt the treatment or
decrease its effectiveness. Pediatric dentists play an important role in
the management of these life-threatening diseases8.
This study aimed to determine the oral health-related quality of life
(OHRQoL) of children with HM who underwent RT and CT examinations for
various reasons.