Mucositis - a nursing management approach

Abstract

Mucositis is a general term that refers to the inflammatory reaction and shallow ulcerative lesions which occur on the mucosal surfaces. It is not limited to the oral mucosa. It is a common side-effect of cancer treatment and is considered to be an extremely debilitating complication associated with radiation and chemotherapy. The cancer patient’s risk of developing mucositis varies. With a better understanding of the processes involved with mucosal injury, we can prepare effective protocols to manage mucositis, minimize discomfort and prevent further complications.