A guide to managing the pain of treatment-related oral mucositis

Oral mucositis is a common complication of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and can be a significant problem for patients undergoing cancer treatment or bone marrow transplantation. Frequently, there is a major adverse impact on quality of life, particularly with pain and interference with oral function. In patients who are immunocompromised or debilitated, this complication can become life threatening. Currently, there is no single intervention that completely prevents or treats oral mucositis. The object of this article is to provide an overview for the nurse of the evidence for several options that may be of value in managing the pain which is often associated with this condition.