Symptoms of Mucositis From Cancer Treatment

Read this article to learn symptoms of mucositis from cancer treatment. Mucositis refers to the inflammation and ulcerations of the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, while oral mucositis refers to inflammation and ulceration in the mouth. Both are generally painful and debilitating and are a side effect of cancer treatment. The condition affects most or all patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or high-dose chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It also affects patients receiving varying degrees of chemotherapy. Some symptoms of mucositis from cancer treatment include the patient having problems eating solid foods or even consuming liquids in severe cases of mucositis, which leads to further complications.

Mucositis in cancer treatment patients

Depending on the treatment the patient is undergoing, mucositis can develop within days and take weeks or months to improve. The mucosal lining in the mouth or digestive tract thins due to cell death from chemotherapy or radiation treatment and may slough off. Ulcers generally appear red, inflamed and covered in a yellowish white fibrin clot called a pseudomembrane. The size of the ulcer can range from .5 cm to over 4 cm. The pain experienced is normally directly related to the size of the ulcer and the extent of tissue damage. The patient can have trouble eating, speaking or even opening his or her mouth.

Treatment for oral mucositis is often just supportive. Patients are encouraged to clean their mouths often, suck on ice cubes, use a water-soluble jelly to lubricate their mouth, drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol, citrus fruits and hot food. Medical mouthwashes and some hormone treatments are used as well.