Laserterapia como estratégia terapêutica no tratamento da mucosite oral em paciente oncológicos: revisão narrativa da literatura

Abstract

Oral mucositis is a common complication in patients undergoing cancer treatment,
characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the oral mucosa, causing intense pain
and difficulties in speaking and eating. Laser therapy appears as a promising
therapeutic alternative, relieving symptoms and accelerating the healing of lesions.
This narrative review aimed to evaluate the role of laser therapy in the treatment of oral
mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer, focusing on reducing pain and
severity of lesions, favoring the continuity of treatment and improving the quality of life
of patients. Scientific articles in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (BVS)
databases between 2019 and 2024 were analyzed, resulting in the identification of 35
studies, of which 17 were selected according to criteria such as language (Portuguese
and English), free access and laser therapy approach. The search used descriptors
and Boolean operators, such as ((Radiotherapy) AND (Mucositis)) AND (Laser
Therapy). In addition, websites such as the Pan American Health Organization
(PAHO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Brazilian Society of Head and
Neck Surgery (SBCCP), the Ministry of Health, an academic publication by Seven, and
the book Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology by Brad W. Neville et al. were consulted.
The literature has shown that laser therapy is effective in treating oral mucositis, with
analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. It relieves symptoms and
accelerates the healing of lesions, and is an important strategy for improving the quality
of life of cancer patients.