The symptom experience of mucositis, stomatitis, and xerostomia.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of mucositis, stomatitis, and xerostomia, the symptom experience, risk factors, current therapies, nursing interventions, and implications for practice, research, and education.


METHODS
Published articles pertaining to mucositis, stomatitis, and xerostomia.


CONCLUSIONS
Complete and consistent assessment of the oral cavity are needed. Frequent and meticulous oral care remains an important factor in preventing the development of or reducing the severity of oral mucositis, stomatitis, and xerostomia. Additional research of these symptoms is needed.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology nurses can perform an essential role in promoting oral hygiene and optimal status of the oral cavity during cancer and its treatment.
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Mayo Hospice, Mayo Medical Center, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
D006801:Humans; D009061:Mouth Mucosa; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D012307:Risk Factors; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing