Stomatitis
Stomatitis is a term used to describe inflammation or injury to the tissues in the mouth, including the gums, tongue, lips, and cheeks. This condition can arise from various factors, such as poor oral hygiene, infections, medications, and ill-fitting dentures. It is particularly common among patients undergoing cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, affecting 20 to 40 percent of these individuals. Symptoms typically include redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes the development of ulcers, which can hinder eating and drinking and lead to dehydration. Diagnosis is usually made through a thorough oral examination, and treatment focuses on maintaining oral hygiene, using soft foods, and possibly administering pain relief medications. Preventive measures include addressing oral health issues before treatment begins and maintaining a balanced diet. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for managing and preventing stomatitis effectively.
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Subject Terms
Stomatitis
ALSO KNOWN AS: Mucositis
Related condition:Esophagitis
DEFINITION: Stomatitis is a general term used to describe injury or inflammation to the tissues of the mouth, such as the gums, tongue, roof or floor of the mouth, lips, and cheeks.
Risk factors: This inflammation can be caused by many things, such as poor oral hygiene, medications, infections, or poorly fitted dentures. Many cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy drugs and radiation, can cause stomatitis.
Etiology and the disease process:Chemotherapy and radiation treatments stop the growth of cancer cells and all other rapidly dividing cells. As the cells in the lining of the mouth also divide rapidly, some of the treatments for cancer make it difficult for the lining of the mouth to repair itself. Cancer treatments can also weaken the immune system and make it easier for a person to develop an infection.
Incidence: Stomatitis occurs in approximately 20 to 40 percent of the patients receiving chemotherapy and cancer treatments, such as radiation to the head and neck. Patients receiving a bone marrow transplant have an over 70 percent chance of developing stomatitis. Stomatitis can affect a patient’s cancer treatment and quality of life.
Symptoms: The symptoms of stomatitis can vary depending on the causes. Generally, redness, swelling, and pain in the mouth are common. Ulcers can develop and make eating and drinking difficult. This can lead to dehydration and weight loss. Bleeding in the mouth, fever, and irritability can also occur.
Screening and diagnosis: Stomatitis can be diagnosed by a careful examination of the patient’s mouth, tongue, and lips. A blood test may be done to detect infection. Sometimes a scraping of the lining of the mouth may be sent to the laboratory to identify a specific organism causing the infection.
Treatment and therapy: Treatment is also based on the cause of stomatitis. The most important part of treatment is to keep the mouth and teeth clean. A soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste can be used, brushing carefully to prevent any further damage to the gums. Patients should consume soft foods and liquids and avoid acidic foods and alcohol-based mouthwashes. Patients are advised to use ice or cold water during chemotherapy treatments. Pain medicine in the form of a topical anesthetic such as lidocaine gel, systemic inflammatory or narcotic pain medications, or both may also be used. Regular dental check-ups are also integral.
Prognosis, prevention, and outcomes: One way to prevent or lessen the severity of stomatitis is to find and treat oral problems before cancer treatment begins. In addition, eating a well-balanced diet can help the body tolerate the stress of treatment and fight infection. Keeping the mouth and teeth clean and having regular dental checkups are also important.
Bibliography
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“Mouth Sores & Pain - Mouth Ulcers from Cancer Treatment.” American Cancer Society, 24 Sept. 2021, www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/eating-problems/mouth-sores.html. Accessed 19 June 2024.
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