title: Oral complications in Chinese cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
abstract: In this study the oral status and mucositis-related symptoms in 94 Chinese cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy for with curative intent were examined. Data were collected by a research nurse at three stages over a period of 16 days: at the start, on day 8, and on day 16 of chemotherapy. The majority of subjects experienced a mild to moderate degree of mucositis with the highest score reported on day 8. Patients with head and neck cancer had consistently higher scores for mucositis and symptoms in most phases. Oral mucositis and symptoms were significantly and positively correlated with consumption of spicy and/or hot (temperature) food, and frequency of use of mouthwashes. Significantly higher scores were found in patients who: ate hot (temperature) food, had low tolerance for hot food and spicy foods, and were taking Chinese medicinal herbs. Careful monitoring of patient diet preferences, cancer site, and use of Chinese medicine is recommended for comprehensive oral assessment. The alleviation of oral mucositis and the associated symptoms through promotion of an appropriate food/fluid intake and more frequent use of mouthwashes should be emphasized in oral care.
authors.affiliation: The Nethersole School of Nursing, Chung Chi College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong. whchan@cuhk.edu.hk
authors.forename: Carmen W H
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Molassiotis
authors.forename: Idy Y M
authors.initials: IY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Gladys C T
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D004032:Diet; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000208:ethnology*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D009067:Mouthwashes