Mouth sores or mucositis is the inflammation of the mucous lining extending from the mouth up-to-the stomach. Some of the medicines used in cancer treatment result in painful mouth sores. It is also observed as a side effect of bone marrow transplant in cancer treatment.
Mouth sores related to cancer treatment
Mouth sores are a common side effect of cancer treatment. The sores are in the form of ulcers found on the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and the floor or roof of the mouth. The sores are in the form of ulcers or dry inflamed painful patches.
Cancer-related mouth sores may develop 5 to 14 days after the treatment. Depending upon the cause the sores may heal on their own.
Prolonged mouth sores, pain, and dryness in cancer patients can result in loss of appetite, weight loss, and other complications.
Chemotherapy and/or radiation kills the cancer cells. Along with it, some healthy cells are also damaged. Damage to healthy cells in the mouth results in sores, pain, and dryness. Chemotherapy and radiation affect the immune system of a body and this can cause infection in the mouth or make it worse.
Radiation therapy focussed on the head or neck causes mouth sores. The severity of mouth sore depends on the amount or dosage of radiation received. Radiation-related mouth sores may last for 4-6 weeks after the treatment.
Bone marrow transplant as a cancer therapy causes mouth sores 2-3 weeks after the treatment. The cells transplanted into the body attack the body’s cells.
So, if you are diagnosed with cancer then be aware of all the side effects of cancer treatment.
Sign and symptoms of mouth sores are –
Consult a doctor immediately if you have a fever, there is weight loss, and mouth sore becomes painful. If left untreated it causes deficiency of nutrients, dehydration, and other severe complications.
Ways to manage mouth sores
When to see a doctor
Visit your healthcare provider if you have high body temperature (>= 100.5-degree Fahrenheit), bleeding gums, redness in the mouth lasting more than 2 days, any cut in the mouth, not able to eat and drink for 2 days, or not able to consume medicines.
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