Xerostomia: aetiology and management in cancer patients

Although oral complications are common sequelae of cancer/cancer treatment, only sporadic research is published in the literature. It is clear that 'routine' oral hygiene measures are inadequate; a little time and effort may, however, reduce oral discomfort. This is particularly true in the case of xerostomia, which is often thought to be a relatively minor symptom with few deleterious effects. Many patients, however, find xerostomia a significant cause of distress, and for this reason alone, health care professionals require knowledge and appreciation of the pathology and aetiology of the condition and approaches to its management. This paper reviews the physiology of salivation and the aetiology of xerostomia and considers the ways in which the condition can be managed.