1Research Scholar, Vice Principal Krupanidhi College of Nursing, Chikkabellandur, Carmelaram, Bangalore
2Principal, Chitkara Institute of Health Sciences, Chitkara University, Punjab
3Radiotherapy, Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bangalore
Online published on 26 September, 2019.
This study aimed at describing the onset, severity of radiation induced oral mucositis and identifying the factors associated with the development of oral mucositis among patients with head and neck cancer.
This prospective observational study was conducted on 30 head and neck cancer patients who were scheduled to undergo radiation therapy and consented to participate. Data was collected by using a baseline Performa and WHO Oral Toxicity scale. The patients were followed up during the entire course of radiation therapy and were weekly monitored for the development of oral mucositis. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
The present study findings revealed that oral mucositis developed in all head and neck cancer patients receiving radiation therapy with a predominance of grade 3 mucositis. Therapy related factors including cumulative and fractionated radiation dose and receipt of concurrent chemotherapy as well as patient related factors such as previous smoking and tobacco chewing habits were associated with a high risk of oral mucositis.
The study findings suggest that oral mucositis is a common acute reaction during head and neck irradiation and appropriate risk based interventions are needed to reduce the severity of mucositis.
Radiation induced oral mucositis, onset, severity and risk factors
