If undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, you might experience side effects you really don't need in your life. Mucositis is one common side effect of these therapies. It can also occur in people with weakened immune systems as a result of noncancerous conditions.
Painful and potentially debilitating, mucositis is the inflammation of the tissues lining the inside of the mouth – which is part of your mucosa membrane. According to research published in the journal Translational Oncology, mucositis occurs in 40 percent of all people receiving chemo and up to 100 percent in people getting treatment for neck and head cancers.
Fortunately, with some oral care and other measures, you or a loved one can get some relief from the pain and discomfort of mucositis. Knowing how mucositis develops, its symptoms, and its potential health hazards can help you recognize when you need to treat and manage the condition.