2023 Head & Neck Cancer Conference Guide Book

Oral Mucositis
An acute inflammatory and ulcerative
complication of the mucosal membrane that
commonly occurs during cancer therapy.
The primary symptom of OM is intense
pain, which is usually associated with
ulcers in the mouth. It can also make it hard
to talk, eat and swallow (Dysphagia).
The inflammation in OM can range from erythema to
severe ulceration and is typically associated with pain and
discomfort. OM can cause profound psychological distress
and impairment of quality of life for cancer patients, due to
the pain and inability to eat solid foods. This can lead to the
use of nasogastric tube placement or total parenteral nutrition
use. OM is one of the more significant side-effects of cancer
treatment and can result from systemic chemotherapy,
radiation therapy, or a combination of the two.
Prevalence of OM:
It’s estimated that 40% of people receiving
chemotherapy will develop some degree of
mucositis.
Up to 97% of people who have radiotherapy
for head and neck cancer will develop some
form of mucositis, which can include OM.
Up to 90% of paediatric oncology patients
may suffer from cancer treatment-induced
oral complications.
The oral mucosa is made up of epithelial cells that
regenerate every 7-14 days, making them easily damaged
by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. When unable to
regenerate properly, the oral mucosa becomes thinner and
ulceration can occur, allowing bacteria and other microbes
entry into the body. Chemotherapy-induced OM is regarded
as an acute condition, with ulceration normally occurring 1-2
weeks after first treatment, and resolving within 3 weeks of
treatment.
Radiotherapy-induced OM normally occurs around 2 weeks
into a 7-week treatment cycle, and resolves 3-4 weeks after
treatment has ended. Cancer therapy induced-OM can have
a significant economic impact due to increased healthcare
costs such as hospitalisation and anti-infective treatment.
Signs and symptoms of OM include:
• Red, shiny, or swollen mouth and gums
• Blood in the mouth
• Sores in the mouth or on the gums or tongue
• Soreness or pain in the mouth or throat
• Difficulty swallowing or talking
• Feeling of dryness, mild burning, or pain when eating
• Soft, whitish patches or pus, in the mouth/tongue
• Increased mucus production or thicker saliva in
the mouth
SUPPORT
BOXES
Thanks to the Friends of the Swallows we are
sending Support Boxes to Head & Neck Cancer Patients
to help them with the side effects of treatment
To order your box please email
info@theswallows.org.uk
with your full name, address,
telephone number and hospital details
AVERAGE POSTAL
COST PER BOX
£10
PLEASE HELP BY DONATING
For people undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy
SCAN THE QR CODE WITH YOUR PHONE CAMERA
Factors that increase the likelihood of developing OM
Patients with compromised oral mucous membranes
secondary to alcoholism and/or excessive smoking exhibit
the most severe mucosal lesions.
• Low body mass index
• Previous cancer treatment
• Impaired immune status (e.g. diabetes, HIV/AIDS)
Furthermore, there are additional factors that can make it
worse if it does occur, include:
• Poor oral hygiene and pre-existing mouth damage
• Smoking or chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol
• Gender (females appear to be more likely than
males to develop OM)
• Dehydration
Younger patients tend to be more likely to develop OM
than older patients. This appears to be due to the more
rapid rate of basal cell turnover noted in children.
Further information on Oral Mucositis is available
through The Swallows. Our brochure on Mucosamin at
the back of this book also contains some tips for dealing
with Oral Mucositis.
10104611274 v1 Aug 21
Treating the painful symptoms of oral
mucositis, helping to protect lesions
and promote healing.
For the management of radiotherapy
and chemotherapy skin lesions
supporting the reduction of skin
inflammation and associated pain.
Sponsored by
For more information please visit our stand on 8-9th November or email jalosome@mediuk.co.uk
30 HEAD & NECK CANCER CONFERENCE 2023
jalosome@mediuk.co.uk
medi. I feel better.