Mucositis
Why is mucositis a concern?

• Speech
• Ability to eat
• Self esteem or how you are feeling about yourself
• Comfort

Mucositis is a concern not only because it has an effect on quality of life, but also because it can actually lead to potentially life-threatening infections. The mucous membranes in the oral cavity provide a protective barrier that prevents the organisms that are normally found in the mouth (germs) from entering the blood stream and causing problems. When breakdown or sores are present in the mucous membranes these organisms in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause serious infections. When you get chemotherapy it can affect your ability to fight infections and thus make the risk of these infections more serious.

If mucositis is a recurring problem, other chronic long-term problems with the gums and teeth can develop. Due to the pain involved with mucositis, it can interfere with your ability to eat and thus maintain adequate nutrition. This in turn will effect how well you tolerate your cancer treatment. Mucositis can make it necessary to delay cancer treatment or may limit the dose of therapy that can be given. In fact, mucositis is regarded as a major side effect that can possibly affect your chemotherapy treatment schedule.

Since mucositis can be a severe problem, it is important to prevent it, if possible, or treat it early to keep the symptoms as mild as possible, and to try to prevent complications. Treatment will be discussed later.