![]() Increase the use of antibiotics and narcotics The consequences of mucositis can be mild, requiring little intervention, but they can also be severe–such as hypovolemia, electrolyte abnormalities, and malnutrition–and even result in fatality. It is important that cancer patients be on the lookout for signs of mucositis, which should be treated as soon as possible once diagnosed. However, the healing of oral mucositis is also more rapid in the younger age group. This appears to be due to the more rapid rate of basal cell turnover noted in children. Younger patients tend to develop oral mucositis more often than older patients being treated for the same malignancy with the same regimen. Oral mucositis occurs independently of oral mucosal infections of viral and fungal etiology, but it may be exacerbated by such concomitant infections. The use of methotrexate for chronic GVHD prophylaxis may exacerbate lesions of oral mucositis, although this is less of a concern with newer prophylaxis regimens. Hyposalivation prior to and during treatment is associated with an increased risk of oral mucositis. This is to some extent related to the treatment regimens. Generally, patients with hematologic malignancies have an increased rate of oral mucositis compared with those with solid tumors. Chronic irritation from ill-fitting prostheses or faulty restorations can predispose patients to the development of oral mucositis due to local irritation and trauma. Diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes or HIV/AIDS. Gender (females appear to be more likely than males to develop mucositis) Smoking or chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol. When caused by chemotherapy, mucositis is usually due to the low white blood cell count when caused by radiation, mucositis is usually due to the necrotic and inflammatory effect of radiation energy on oral mucosa.įactors that can increase the likelihood of developing mucositis, or that can make it worse if it does occur, include: The majority of oral cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in combination with radiation will experience at least some degree of mucositis. The combination of mucus, excess saliva and pain can make it difficult or even impossible to eat. In a worst case, the mucous membrane of the patient’s entire mouth and tongue can be coated by a white mucus coating that is up to a millimeter thick. Increased mucus or thicker saliva in the mouthĪn extreme case of the condition is called confluent mucositis. Soft, whitish patches or pus in the mouth or on the tongue Feeling of dryness, mild burning, or pain when eating food Sores in the mouth or on the gums or tongue It has a significant effect on the patient’s quality of life and can be dose-limiting (i.e., requiring a reduction in subsequent chemotherapy doses). It can lead to several problems, including pain, nutritional problems as a result of inability to eat, and increased risk of infection due to open sores in the mucosa. Oral mucositis is probably the most common, debilitating complication of cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy and radiation. The oral cavity is the most common location for mucositis. The part of this lining that covers the mouth, called the oral mucosa, is one of the most sensitive parts of the body and is particularly vulnerable to chemotherapy and radiation. Mucosal tissue, also known as mucosa or the mucous membrane, lines all body passages that communicate with the air, such as the respiratory and alimentary tracts, and have cells and associated glands that secrete mucus. Mucositis occurs when cancer treatments break down the rapidly divided epithelial cells lining the gastro-intestinal tract (which goes from the mouth to the anus), leaving the mucosal tissue open to ulceration and infection.
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