Frequency of chemoradiotherapy‑induced mucositis and related risk factors in patients with the head‑and‑neck cancers: A survey in the North of Iran

In this study, we aimed at evaluating the frequency of chemoradiotherapy‑induced mucositis (CIM, RIM) and its related risk factors in patients with the head‑and‑neck cancers (HNCs).

In this cross‑sectional prospective descriptive study, we evaluated a total of 54 HNCs patients referred to the Oncology Chemoradiotherapy Department of Razi and Amiralmomenin University Hospitals of Rasht, for site and grade (WHO classification) of CIM/RIM, based on their demographic features and possible risk factors. SPSS software version 18 and statistical tests (i.e., Fisher’s exact test) were used, and the level of significance was considered as P < 0.05.

Finally, patients enrolled in the study were 34 men and 20 women (40–72‑year‑old), of which 43 cases (79.6%) showed signs and symptoms of CIM/RIM (mostly aged 60–69‑year‑old). Grade 2 mucositis was the most frequent type (18 cases: 33.3%) and mouth floor was the most common site of CIM/RIM (15 patients: 34.9%). Age (P = 0.023), gender (P = 0.012), and the severity of pain (P = 0.018) were significantly related to mucositis in patients with HNCs who underwent chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Mucositis, especially in the oral cavity, is a common complication of chemoradiotherapy in HNCs patients. Age, gender, and the severity of pain are significantly associated with the frequency of CIM/RIM.