Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

INTRODUCTION: Mucositis is a common complication of cancer therapy, which significantly affects the mucosa. The severity depends on a variety of factors, including the dose of medication, dose interval, the volume of treated tissue and the type of radiation. AIM: To investigate the prevalence of radiation-induced OM and report its associated factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted by involving data patients with head and neck cancer. Data were collected from the medical records of all patients submitted to radiotherapy for the treatment of head and neck cancer from last 5 years duration. RESULTS: A total of 200 medical records of patients submitted to radiotherapy for the treatment of head and neck cancer were evaluated. The prevalence of RIM in the overall sample was 73% (n=146) and was found to be higher in males (76%) in comparison to females. The mean time to the onset of RIM was 15.6±1.9 days. The frequencies of osteoradionecrosis and oral candidiasis were 6% and 18%, respectively. The observed risk factors that were significantly associated with OM were osteoradionecrosis, chemotherapy, and radiation dose. CONCLUSION: Radiation-induced oral mucositis affects the quality of life of the patients and the family concerned. The management of oral mucositis remains a challenge. Our results suggest that adequate oral care prior to treatment for head and neck cancer is necessary. KEY WORDS: Radiation induced Mucsitis, head and neck cancer, risk factors