Interní Med. 2009; 11(2): 77-79

Oral mucositis in patients after chemotherapy and radiotherapy in practice

MUDr. Samuel Vokurka

Hematologicko-onkologické oddělení, FN Plzeň

Oral mucositis represents clinically significant damage of both mucosa and submucosa caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It

can be accompanied by oral dyscomfort or pain usually lasting several days accompanied by reduced oral intake and higher risk of

infectious complications. The severity and extent of mucosal damage varies from slight edema and redness to defects often covered by

pseudomembrane. Recently, only a minimum of interventions such as cryotherapy or low-energy laser and keratinocyte growth factor

palifermin are to reduce the incidence of this complication significantly. Apart from the fact that various oral solutions and rinses, including antimicrobial ones, may help to keep good oral hygiene and treat local infections, their effect on mucositis reduction is dubious. As a minimum demand it is necessary to ensure satisfactory oral hygiene, reduce pains and provide patients with proper nutrition, hydration and medicals.

Keywords: mucositis, oral, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, complications.

Published: April 1, 2009  Show citation