The radiotherapy in patients with neoplasias of Head and Neck causes alterations in the oral mucous membrane interfering with the therapeutic execution and the final result. AIM: To evaluate the protective effect of the chlorhexidin on the oral mucous membrane, during the radiotherapy and its reflex in the quality of life referred by patients. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical prospective. MATERIAL AND MATHOD: 21 patients with cancer of Head and Neck were selected and allocated in two groups: group Placebo (n=11, 9 men and 2 women, mean age 58 years) distilled water - two daily mouthwashes and group Medication (n=10, 7 men and 2 women, mean age 52 years) chlorhexidin 0,12% - two daily mouthwashes. The patients were appraised weekly with local exam for detection of the mucous membrane alterations (classification in agreement with WHO and Group of Therapy for Radiation in Oncology - degrees 0 to IV) and completion of questionnaire of life quality emphasizing the pain aspects, appetite, palate and alimentary habits. The statistical analysis accomplished by Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The graduation of mucositis was more intense in the group Placebo in 6 of the 10 weeks of evaluation. The frequency and intensity of pain were worse in the group Placebo in the 4th week of radiotherapy and the palate modification was more intense in the individuals that didn't use the medicine just in the 7th week. They were not found differences in the other parameters of life quality. CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that the chlorhexidin didn't eliminate the mucous membrane lesions but decreased, significantly, their harmful effects and intensity without presenting a persistent reflex in the quality of the patients' life.
head and neck cancer; radiotherapy; oral mucositis; chlorexidin
