Oral pain in the cancer patient

Purpose of review Oral pain is a common complaint in patients with cancer. This review aims to summarize the knowledge on the causes and approach to management of oral pain garnered over the past 2 years. Recent findings A systematic review and meta-analysis included in the review, assessed cannabinoid versus placebo and showed only a small effect on pain, physical function, and sleep quality. Another review showed that chemical neurolysis as an adjunctive therapy, is effective in patients with pain of shorter chronicity and refractory head and neck cancer-related pain. Summary Patients with cancer frequently experience oral pain because of a variety of factors. Factors inherent in the type and location of the malignancy, the modality of cancer treatment, and a holistic approach to management together contribute to their overall pain experience. Basic oral care should be implemented wherever possible, before, during, and after cancer treatment.