chemotherapy
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause a sore mouth and throat (mucositis). This is because chemo affects rapidly dividing cells (like cancer cells) and the cells in your mouth and gut are the kind which divide really quickly. A sore mouth can happen around about 5-10 days after you have the chemo but often clears up within 3-4 weeks.
radiotherapy
The cells that line the inside of your mouth and throat are very sensitive to radiation. So if you're having treatment to your head or neck area you may start to get a sore mouth or throat about 2–3 weeks after the start of your radiotherapy. The mucositis wil probably get worse while you continue with your treatment but once you've finished, your mouth will start to get better. It normally takes about 3-4 weeks to heal.
what happens?
At first your mouth might just feel tender and a bit uncomfortable but then ulcers may develop inside or on your lips. If the ulcers become infected they'll feel really sore. Your mouth and throat might become so sore that you have problems eating. You can have painkillers for this so let your nurses or doctors know as soon as you start to feel sore. If the mucositis is quite bad, you may have a sore stomach and diarrhoea too.
Make sure that you tell your nurses as soon as you start to have problems eating so that they can arrange for you to see a dietitian.
If you're having radiotherapy, your doctors are likely to suggest that you have a nasogastric (NG) tube or PEG tube put in before the treatment starts. This is because you won’t be able to eat or drink for a much longer time than someone who has a sore mouth from chemo. The tube allows you to have some liquid food during the time when you can’t eat. Your doctors will talk to you about what's involved if they think you might need this.
what can help?
- Cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush helps keep your mouth clean. Don’t use dental floss if your platelets are low.
- If your doctor prescribes mouthwashes and lozenges, use them regularly to help to prevent soreness and infections.
- Avoid things that can irritate your mouth like alcohol, smoking, hot spices, vinegar and salty food.
- Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of fluids, about 8-10 cups a day. It can be water, juice, tea or any drink you prefer.
- Keep your food moist by adding gravies and sauces to make swallowing easier.
- If it becomes very sore, gels, creams or pastes can be prescribed to help reduce the pain.
- It’s important to contact your doctors and nurses if your mouth is sore or infected especially if it’s making it difficult to eat and drink.
Your experiences
See all 2 tips on this topic >>Sore Mouth
sarah_the_star (Leukaemia (AML), 16, F, England) , tip added: 30/08/2006
If you have a sore mouth from all the chemo, try sucking on an ice lolly or ice cube.It really helps! HONEST
