ORAL MUCOSITIS - AN OVERVIEW

Oral mucositis is a common, debilitating, and dose-limiting complication of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in head and neck cancer, profoundly affecting patients’ quality of life and treatment compliance. Unplanned treatment interruptions due to mucositis can adversely influence therapeutic outcomes. Recent advances in understanding the integrated pathophysiology of radiation-induced mucosal injury have paved the way for the development of targeted preventive and therapeutic approaches. Although no definitive agent currently exists for the reliable prevention or treatment of oral mucositis, several promising strategies are under active investigation. This book provides a concise overview of existing management options and highlights future research directions aimed at optimizing therapeutic outcomes.