About Post Breast Cancer Jaw Pain
Breast cancer is a disease that primarily affects women, although men can get breast cancer as well. It typically originates in the glands or ducts of the breast (adrenocarcinoma) or the tissue of the breast (sarcoma). Breast cancer is usually treated with surgery, some combination of chemotherapy and radiation, and in certain cases other hormone or drug therapies. Certain drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer can have lingering adverse side effects, including jaw pain.
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Post Breast Cancer Jaw Pain
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Some of the chemotherapy agents used in the treatment of breast cancer can cause osteoporosis (bone loss). In order to prevent bone loss from occurring as a result of breast cancer treatments, many women are prescribed a bisphosphonate drug. These bisphosphonate drugs help prevent bone loss associated either with chemotherapy treatments or with metastatic breast cancer. Although bisphosphonates help prevent breast-cancer-related bone loss and degeneration, they may cause a condition called osteonecrosis.
Medicines That May Cause Osteonecrosis
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According to BreastCancer.org, certain bisphosphonates that are often prescribed to women as a part of breast cancer treatment are more likely to cause osteonecrosis than others. These drugs include Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, Aredia, Zometa and Bonefos.
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Osteonecrosis Definition
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Osteonecrosis is the medical name for a condition that occurs when cells within the jawbone begin to die. It is a rare side effect of bisphosphonates and doctors are unsure why it happens to some women prescribed the drugs but not others. According to BreastCancer.org, most researchers believe the condition develops because the bisphosphonates cause the body to stop repairing minor jaw damage that happens during normal wear-and-tear or during dental procedures.
Symptoms of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
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Symptoms of jaw pain caused by osteonecrosis include jaw pain or a heavy feeling in the jaw; inflammation, redness or swelling of the gums; slow healing or an absence of healing in the gums after dental work; loose teeth; or the presence of visible bone in the mouth.
Treatment
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Post breast cancer pain caused by osteonecrosis is generally treated with the use of a retainer, oral rinses or antibiotics. The majority of women do not experience this condition, and because it is rare, dentists may not be aware of the potential risk. Therefore, women who have taken a bisphosphonate as part of breast cancer treatment need to tell their dentist prior to any medical work, in order to avoid treatments that may worsen the condition.
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