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Chemotherapy-induced mucositis in Adult
See also in: Oral Mucosal Lesion
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Chemotherapy-induced mucositis in Adult

See also in: Oral Mucosal Lesion
Contributors: Melissa Danesh MD, Susan Burgin MD, Carl Allen DDS, MSD, Sook-Bin Woo MS, DMD, MMSc
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Chemotherapy-induced mucositis develops 5-10 days after the initiation of treatment and resolves slowly 2-3 weeks after cessation of treatment, usually when the absolute neutrophil count rises above 500/ml. It occurs in approximately 20%-40% of patients receiving conventional chemotherapy and 80% of patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy. It starts with erythema of the mucosa, which usually breaks down to form ulcers. Ulcers may be single or multiple, round or irregularly shaped, and are usually on sites that are frequently traumatized (eg, buccal mucosa).

While not all chemotherapeutic agents will cause mucositis, many of them have this capability. Some agents (eg, methotrexate and etoposide) are excreted in saliva, which increases their toxicity. The degree to which mucositis is induced is also dependent on the drug and the age of the patient, with younger patients often experiencing more severe signs and symptoms. Chemotherapy-induced mucositis tends to be less severe in patients who have received recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Patients complain of pain and burning that is exacerbated by eating and by oral hygiene procedures.

Oral mucositis combined with gastrointestinal mucositis may occur in about 8% of patients who receive standard-dose chemotherapy with subsequent development of myelosuppression. Suggestive symptoms include pain, nausea / vomiting, and diarrhea.

Related topic: drug-induced oral mucositis

Codes

ICD10CM:
K12.31 – Oral mucositis (ulcerative) due to antineoplastic therapy

SNOMEDCT:
403666006 – Drug-induced mucositis

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Last Reviewed:06/04/2018
Last Updated:07/18/2024
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Chemotherapy-induced mucositis in Adult
See also in: Oral Mucosal Lesion
A medical illustration showing key findings of Chemotherapy-induced mucositis : Oral ulcers, Buccal mucosa, Mucosal lip, Oral erosions, Ventral tongue
Clinical image of Chemotherapy-induced mucositis - imageId=2512895. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Extensive slough-covered erosions on the buccal mucosa.'
Extensive slough-covered erosions on the buccal mucosa.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.