Oral Mucositis Overview

Oral Mucositis

• Mucositis refers to inflammation of the mucosa, resulting in mouth sores and esophagitis.
• Symptoms can range from redness and soreness to open sores, impacting the ability to eat.
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage healthy cells, specifically those in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to mucositis.
• Consequences of mucositis include:
  • Pain and discomfort
  • Nutritional deficiencies due to reduced food intake
  • Increased risk of infections from open sores
  • May limit chemotherapy dosage due to severity
• Signs and symptoms of mucositis include:
  • Red, shiny, or swollen gums and mouth
  • Presence of blood in the mouth
  • Sores on gums or tongue
  • Pain or soreness in the mouth/throat
  • Difficulty swallowing or speaking
  • Dry mouth or burning sensations while eating
  • Soft whitish patches or pus in the mouth
  • Thicker saliva or increased mucus production
• Importance of reporting symptoms to a healthcare provider for prompt attention
• Effective oral care strategies to manage and prevent mucositis severity:
  • Rinse mouth pre- and post-meal and bedtime with saline or a salt and soda solution
  • Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or toothettes if pain occurs
  • Apply non-abrasive toothpaste; avoid whiteners
  • Keep lips moisturized
  • Avoid irritating products such as alcohol-containing mouthwashes, excessive dental floss, and citrus-based swabs
  • Increase fluid intake and consume protein-rich foods
  • Avoid hot, spicy, acidic, hard, or coarse foods
• Denture care guidelines:
  • Remove dentures when not eating to expose gums to air
  • Avoid loose-fitting dentures that may cause irritation
  • Refrain from wearing dentures if sores are severe
  • Discourage smoking and chewing tobacco

Hair Loss

• Chemotherapy drugs effectively target cancer cells but also harm rapidly dividing normal cells, including hair follicles.
• Hair loss typically begins between 7 to 21 days after starting chemotherapy.
• Factors influencing hair loss extent include:
  • Type and dose of chemotherapy drug
  • Combination of drugs used in treatment
  • Administration route (e.g., IV, oral)
  • Duration of chemotherapy
• Not all chemotherapy drugs induce hair loss; drugs with higher likelihood include:
  • Cyclophosphamide, Dactinomycin, Daunorubicin, Docetaxel, Doxorubicin, Eribulin, Etoposide, Idarubicin, Ifosfamide, Irinotecan, Paclitaxel, Topotecan
• Tips for managing hair loss:
  • Maintain a clean, moisturized scalp to prevent skin breaks
  • Use baby shampoo or mild products for hair care
  • Consider satin or silk pillowcases to reduce friction
  • Choose a wig preemptively, which is often covered by insurance
  • Accessories like hats, caps, scarves, or turbans for coverage
  • Apply sunscreen on the scalp when outdoors
• Hair loss is usually temporary, with regrowth occurring post-treatment, potentially in a different color or texture.

This quiz explores the condition of oral mucositis, detailing its causes, symptoms, and the impact it has on patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Understanding mucositis is vital for recognizing its effects on oral health and nutritional intake. Test your knowledge on prevention and management of this condition.