Oral mucositis can be a painful and debilitating condition in which patients undergoing chemotherapy, with or without radiation, develop mouth ulcerations that can make everyday activities difficult or impossible.

In patients with oral mucositis, the sensitive cells (mucosa) lining the mouth and throat are damaged by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy — either with or without radiation. Symptoms can include: painful ulcers in the mouth and throat, redness and swelling of the gums, dryness and overall soreness in the mouth, and difficulty eating, swallowing, talking and drinking.

Severe oral mucositis is extremely painful and often requires opioid-like analgesics. The condition can prevent a patient’s intake of food and fluids. In some cases, patients may require total parenteral nutrition, which is given intravenously.