What causes mucositis?

Mucositis occurs when cancer treatments break down the rapidly divided epithelial cells lining the gastro-intestinal tract (which goes from the mouth to the anus), leaving the mucosal tissue open to ulceration and infection.

What is the best description of mucositis a common side effect of chemotherapy?

Mucositis is when your mouth or gut is sore and inflamed. It’s a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer. Although mucositis is usually painful, it can be treated. It should get better within a few weeks of finishing cancer treatment.

What is the difference between stomatitis and mucositis?

Mucositis is painful inflammation or ulceration of the mucous membranes anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. Stomatitis (oral mucositis) refers to inflammation and ulceration that occur in the mouth. Stomatitis can affect any of the structures in the mouth: cheeks, gums, tongue, throat, lips, and roof or floor.

What does mucositis mean?

Listen to pronunciation. (myoo-koh-SY-tis) A complication of some cancer therapies in which the lining of the digestive system becomes inflamed. Often seen as sores in the mouth.

Which of the following symptoms can be caused by mucositis?

The signs and symptoms of mucositis can vary but can include:

• Red, shiny, or swollen mouth and gums.
• Blood in the mouth.
• Sores in the mouth, including on the gums or tongue.
• Soreness or pain in the mouth or throat.
• Trouble with swallowing or talking.
• Feeling of dryness, mild burning, or pain when eating food.

Can neutropenia cause mucositis?

Mucositis is a common complication in neutropenic patients undergoing immunosuppressive chemotherapy which may lead to oral infectious ulcers and periodontal infections [2], [3], [4]. Mucositis affects the entire gastrointestinal tract including the mouth [5].

When does mucositis occur after chemo?

Mucositis occurs in 20% to 40% of patients who receive chemotherapy for solid tumors and typically occurs within 5 to 14 days of receiving chemotherapy.

What is the pathophysiology of stomatitis?

The gross pathology of stomatitis can vary from redness and inflammation to presence of vesicles or pustules. Oral candidiasis for example may present a hyperplastic picture, erythematous picture or whitish pseudomembrane (thrush).

What bacteria causes oral mucositis?

Bacteria with a longitudinal change in abundance that negatively correlated with mucositis severity included species of Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Gemella, Granulicatella, and Veillonella, all common in oral health, while more severe mucositis correlated with enrichment of Gram-negatives previously associated with …

Is mucositis an infection?

Mucositis is not an infectious process and therefore cannot be prevented with antibiotics or antiviral medications and cannot be passed to another person. Symptoms of discomfort and pain often precede the visible tissue changes in the mouth and throat.

Can mucositis cause an infection?

Possible complications Mucositis can also increase the risk of bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.

Can mucositis cause sepsis?

Infections associated with the oral mucositis lesions can cause life-threatening systemic sepsis during periods of profound immunosuppression 9. Moderate to severe oral mucositis has been correlated with systemic infection and transplant-related mortality 10.