mucositis
Meaning of mucositis: Mucositis most often affects the lining of the mouth and digestive tract, commonly appearing as painful sores following certain cancer treatments.
Definition of mucositis
Mucositis is inflammation of a mucous membrane, the moist tissue lining structures such as the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. While mucositis can occur for other reasons, it is most often discussed in the context of certain cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy and radiation therapy directed at the head, neck, or abdomen, which can damage the rapidly dividing cells that make up these linings.
When mucositis affects the mouth, it commonly appears as redness, swelling, and painful sores, a pattern called oral mucositis, which can interfere with eating, swallowing, and speaking. Mucositis affecting the digestive tract further along, sometimes called gastrointestinal mucositis, can cause abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea.
Because mucositis damages a protective barrier, the affected mucous membrane is also more vulnerable to infection while inflamed, and its severity can range from mild irritation to more extensive breakdown of the lining, generally related to the intensity of the treatment causing it.
Used in a sentence
Oral mucositis developed several days after the patient began the chemotherapy regimen.
Good to know
Mucositis is most often discussed as a treatment related complication, but the underlying term describes inflammation of any mucous membrane and is not exclusive to cancer therapy.
Word origin
Where “mucositis” comes from
Formed from Latin mucus and the suffix -itis, meaning inflammation.