Oral mucositis.
Oral mucositis refers to erythematous, erosive, and ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa seen in two patient populations: (1) head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy to fields involving the oral cavity, and (2) patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy for cancer. Oral mucositis is a significant and dose-limiting toxicity of cancer therapy, with important clinical and economic implications. This article reviews the current knowledge on the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of oral mucositis.
Lalla
Rajesh V
RV
Division of Oral Medicine, Department of Oral Diagnosis, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA. lalla@nso2.uchc.edu
Peterson
Douglas E
DE
D006801:Humans; D009061:Mouth Mucosa; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy