Mucositis
Signs and Symptoms

A number of signs and symptoms occur with mucositis.

1. Red, inflamed areas in your mouth (they may have white spots in the center)
2. Shiny, swollen tissues in your mouth including the tongue
3. A yellowish or white film on areas in the mouth (this is called a pseudomembrane)
4. Blood in the mouth or saliva
5. Areas of open sores or ulcers in your mouth

We call these changes that can be seen signs.

1. Pain and discomfort in the mouth.
2. A raw feeling in the throat
3. Sticky secretions or saliva
4. Swollen tissues in your mouth

We call these changes that you experience symptoms.

The severity of mucositis varies in different people and even from treatment to treatment in the same person. A mild episode may cause only mild discomfort and few visible changes. A more severe episode can cause major problems and needs very close attention.

How long mucositis lasts depends on how severe it is, and if the treatment is continued. A mild case of mucositis may last only several days. A severe case may last 5 to 10 days. Recovery from mucositis often occurs as the white blood cell count recovers.