Symptoms can include redness, sometimes open sores, and burning in the mouth.
White patches can appear which turn red after the tissue sloughs.
Mouth pain can make eating difficult and may make talking and swallowing uncomfortable.
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Almost everyone who receives radiation to the head and/or neck region will experience mouth sores as well.
Ask your dentist about alternative toothbrushes if you should develop soreness.
It’s thought that inflammation may also play a role in the progression of cancer or recurrence.
Some oncologists may recommend artificial saliva, or topical agents to treat pain.
Bleeding may occur, especially if your platelet count is low (chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia).
Pain can become quite severe for some people, requiring stronger pain management.
Mouth sores can lead to weight loss, and weight loss in people with cancer can be very serious.
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