Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background-The combined modality treatment (chemotherapy and radiation therapy using both conventional and altered fractionation) have produced increases in both disease-free and overall survival rates, although these approaches have produced higher rates of mucosal toxicity, with grade 3 rates ranging from 32% to 84% and grade 4 rates ranging from 0% to 30%. When compared with other toxic effects, these studies have established mucositis as the dose-limiting toxicity. Material And Methods: Patients receiving  chemo-radiation in the form of Cis-platinum, Gemcitabine or Paclitaxel alternating with Gemcitabine were enrolled in this study. Patients particulars were noted, a thorough history of the disease was taken. A complete physical examination with assessment of ECOG performance score, oral assessment, Mucositis was determined weekly while the patient was on chemo-radiation or radiation. Results were displayed as mean ± standard deviation or percentage. The independent sample “t-test” was used to assess group differences for continuous variables. Results-Neck swelling was the one of the chief complaint in 89 patients of the series. Facial disfigurement was complained by 12 patients, loss of the appetite was observed by 48 patients and 31 were having complaints of the weight loss. 89 patients presented with the complaint of the difficulty in swallowing. Restriction of the movement of tongue was seen in 53 patients. Conclusion: It was observed in the present study that mucositis was the one of the chief complication. More than 50% of the patients had nutritional deficiencies in the form of anemia and hypo-proteinemia due to oral mucositis.
Key words-Mucositis, Voice change, Neck mass, Metastasis