Mucositis in the cancer patient and immunosuppressed host.
Oral mucositis is a serious complication of cancer therapy and in severely immunosuppressed patients. In immunosuppressed patients, the signs and symptoms of infection often are muted because of limited host response, and accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment may be difficult. Prevention of mucosal breakdown, suppression of microbial colonization, control of viral reactivation, and effective management of severe xerostomia are all critical steps to reducing the overall morbidity and mortality of oromucosal infections.
Epstein
Joel B
JB
Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, 801 South Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA. jepstein@uic.edu
D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D052016:Mucositis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000821:virology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000532:radiotherapy