Pathology · single question
A patient treated for testicular cancer presents with rampant caries. Which is NOT a plausible contributing cause?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Radiation directed at the testicular region
- A. Correct. Radiation causes xerostomia only when the salivary glands lie within the treatment field. Pelvic or testicular irradiation does not reach the head and neck and cannot cause radiation caries.
- B. Plausible — many chemotherapeutic agents reduce salivary flow.
- C. Plausible — fatigue, mucositis and nausea during treatment commonly reduce oral hygiene.
- D. Plausible — frequent sugar exposure for dry-mouth relief is a classic driver of rampant caries.