Some chemotherapy drugs can cause sores in the mouth and/or throat. These drugs affect the rapidly dividing cells that line these areas, making them unable to adequately replace normal cell loss.
Stomatitis refers to the inflammation and sores in your mouth that may result from chemotherapy. Similar changes in the throat are called pharyngitis and in the esophagus (the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach) are called esophagitis. The term mucositis is used to refer to inflammation of the mucous membrane layer lining the entire digestive (gastrointestinal) tract from the mouth to the rectum, and the vagina.
The first signs of mouth sores occur when the lining of the mouth looks pale and dry. Later, the mouth, gums, and throat may feel sore and become red and inflamed. The tongue may look coated and swollen, and the edge may look crimped like a pie crust. All of this leads to trouble swallowing, eating, or talking. Stomatitis, pharyngitis, and esophagitis can lead to bleeding, painful ulcers, and infection.
Mouth, throat, and esophagus sores are temporary. They usually develop 5 to 14 days after chemotherapy. Stomatitis gradually reverses itself within 2 to 3 weeks and heals completely once chemotherapy is finished. Talk to your health care team about things you can do to try to prevent or help cope with mouth sores. Mouthwashes and numbing medicines can help.
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