Oral Mucositis
What is Mucositis?
Mucositis is a painful inflammation of the mucous membrane lining. It often involves erythema,
erosion and ulcerations that poorly heal and can become secondarily infected by bacteria,
viruses or fungi.
Mucositis most often affects the oral cavity, pharynx and the esophagus. It may affect the
small and large intestine leading to pain, nausea, vomiting, cramp-like discomfort and
diarrhea.
Oral mucositis also leads to nutritional problems as a result of inability to eat, and increased
risk of infection due to open sores in the mucosa. It has a significant effect on the patients
quality of life and can be dose-limiting (requiring a reduction in subsequent chemotherapy
doses).
Signs and symptoms of mucositis include:
• Red, shiny, or swollen mouth and gums
• Blood in the mouth
• Sores in the mouth or on the gums or tongue
• Soreness or pain in the mouth or throat
• Difficulty swallowing or talking
• Feeling of dryness, mild burning, or pain when eating food
• Soft, whitish patches or pus in the mouth or on the tongue
• Increased mucus or thicker saliva in the mouth
Click article to learn more about cancer related Oral Mucositis due to
chemotherapy or radiation cancer treatment therapies.
Cancer related mucositis management
