The hallmark of oral mucositis (OM) is pain, as the surfaces
that line the mouth and tongue become red, swollen and covered in
ulcers. The pain can be so severe that it is very hard to eat,
drink and speak. It may even mean a feeding tube is necessary just
to get enough nutrients to carry on with the cancer therapy.
Mucositis can actually occur anywhere along the digestive path
but oral mucositis specifically happens in the mouth, and is
sometimes called stomatitis. There are 4 Grades of oral mucositis.
Grade 1 and 2 are mild and characterized by soreness and the
beginning of ulceration. During Grade 3 and 4, oral mucositis is
more severe. At Grade 3, patients cannot tolerate solid food
so switch to a liquid only diet. Eating is not possible at
Grade 4 so patients may need further help getting enough
nutrients.8
Oral mucositis (OM) is a common side effect of cancer treatment
with the potential to significantly debilitate and
cause:
- Severe pain2 and ulcerations5
- Higher rates of parenteral feeding and PEG tube
placements1
- Dysphagia,5 malnutrition5 and weight
loss7
- Serious and potentially life-threatening infections5
- In neutropenic patients, OM is a clinically significant risk
factor for sepsis6
- Significantly impaired quality of life6
- More unplanned visits to the hospital1
- Dose reductions and delays 2
- OM may represent a dose-limiting toxicity6
- Increased narcotic use2
Severe OM, Severe Problems
At Grades 3 or 4, OM:
- Causes chemotherapy dose reductions in approximately 60% of
affected patients8
- About 30% of these patients have their regimen discontinued
entirely8
- Doubles the rate of emergency visits9
- Adds 7 days to length of stay in hospital per chemotherapy
cycle9