Cancer Research UK main site

Tooth infection and immunotherapy

Allotment-lady
Offline

Hi

i have recently been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer…total shock to a relatively fit non smoker .

My question is that I have started to get tooth pain in a molar that has been troublesome over the last few years , but which my dentist and  I were trying to hang onto . Anyway I have now read that antibiotics are a bad thing before immunotherapy which I was hoping was one of the treatments I might be offered ( still waiting to see an oncologist after referral from lung specialist) . I am panicking as some studies seem to show antibiotic use before can actually reduce life expectancy after immunotherapy .

I am currently trying to see a dentist but I just don’t know what else to do …

any help please .

  • Hello Allotment-lady and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your situation.

    It is difficult to be able to advise you without being involved in your care but I can understand your dilemma.

    I am not sure whether this is the article that you have seen from Imperial hospital about the use of antibiotics before immunotherapy treatment.

    I do think that it is the case of getting the advice from the dentist and your oncologist. I am not sure whether your doctors would want to delay the immunotherapy for a week or two to see if the tooth heals without the use of antibiotics but it is really only the oncologist or dentist that can say whether this is the best way forward.

    If you would like to ring and chat this through with one of the helpline nurses you are welcome to give us a call.

    The number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Catherine

    Thank you Catherine. I have seen my dentist who says the tooth isn’t infected … must be a flare up of TMJ which I’ve had before due to all the stress . I will talk to the oncologist when I get to see them and  just try and relax. 
    Not much else I can do as when I asked to have tooth removed dentist said she doesn’t just take teeth out for no real reason but could cap it which itself could do more damage and cause infection . 
    She has asked for an urgent hospital dental referral but not sure how long that will take . 
    Waiting is so hard ! 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.