Oral mucositis (sometimes also called stomatitis) is a serious
and common side effect of certain cancer treatments that causes
severe pain, creates a risk of infection, and may interfere with
the treatment schedule.2
It affects nearly all patients undergoing radiation therapy for
head and neck cancer;3 75% to 85% of bone marrow
transplant recipients 4 and approximately 40% of
patients receiving chemotherapy.5
Mucosal damage begins when treatment begins
The submucosa is damaged before any clinical signs of erythema
or ulceration are apparent.1
Injury occurs very quickly and simultaneously in all
tissues.6
Inhibition of the early molecular events can have a profound
impact on the intensity of OM.1