Other Protective Measures
Besides proper oral care, there are several things patients with cancer
and physicians can do to reduce the risk of oral mucositis (OM) and limit its
severity. Patients can follow strategic nutrition guidelines and avoid certain
substances and products.1,2 And physicians can
recommend cancer therapy interventions such as radiation blocks and cryotherapy.3
Certain foods, products and substances that can damage or irritate the mucosa
should be avoided to prevent OM or decrease its severity.1,2
Such things include the following:
- Spicy, hot, acidic or rough foods
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Oral rinses that have strong flavors or contain alcohol
- Medications containing alcohol1,2
Patients also should avoid habits like biting their lips or cheeks.2
In addition to what patients can do to limit OM risk, there are preventative
measures health professionals can take during cancer treatment. When appropriate,
clinical practice guidelines recommend health professionals use midline radiation
blocks and three-dimensional radiation treatment.3 Also, cryotherapy
may be given 5 minutes before 5-FU bolus injection and continued for 30 minutes
to help cool the oral cavity and prevent OM.3
For information on current treatments for OM, visit Managing Oral Mucositis.
References
- Epstein JB, Schubert MM. Oropharyngeal mucositis in cancer therapy.
Review of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. Oncology (Huntingt) 2003;
17:1767-79.
- Schubert M. Oral Mucositis in Cancer Patients. Oncology Special Edition 2004;
7:51-5.
- Rubenstein, EB, et al., Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention
and treatment of cancer therapy-induced oral and gastrointestinal mucositis. Cancer 2004;
100(9 Suppl):2026-46.
