Mucositis symptoms

If you get oral mucositis, you’ll normally get symptoms 5 to 10 days after starting chemotherapy, or 14 days after starting radiotherapy. Symptoms of oral mucositis include:

• a dry mouth, which can lead to mouth and gum infections (although sometimes a dry mouth on its own can just be a side effect of chemotherapy rather than mucositis)
• ulcers (sores) or blood blisters (or both) inside your mouth, and sometimes on your tongue or lips
• a sore or painful mouth, which may make it difficult to eat, drink or talk
• bad breath
• oral thrush, an infection caused by a fungus called Candida.

The NHS has more information about oral thrush.

Oral mucositis affects people differently. For example, it can be severe if you have high-dose chemotherapy as preparation for a stem cell transplant.

Your hospital team will assess your risk and treat your symptoms.

Symptoms of GI mucositis usually start after you begin chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The main symptoms are:

• diarrhoea (frequent, watery poos)
• ulcers (sores) around your rectum (bottom or anus)
• bleeding from your gut, which you may notice as blood in your poo
• trouble swallowing because it hurts
• feeling sick
• constipation (difficulty pooing)
• stomach cramps
• bloating.

It’s important to tell your hospital team as soon as you have symptoms. Mucositis may be less severe if it’s picked up early. If your mucositis is severe, it may affect areas of your life, such as your ability to eat. It may also delay your chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It’s important that it’s treated quickly.

The NHS has more information about when to seek urgent help.

We have information about managing sickness and vomiting, which can be caused by blood cancer, blood cancer treatment, or GI mucositis.

Normally, the lining of your mouth or gut acts as a barrier to stop germs and viruses from getting into your bloodstream. If you have mucositis, you’re more likely to get an infection. Your risk increases if your white blood cell count is low because of your condition or treatment.

Symptoms of an infection include having a high or low temperature, feeling confused, or generally not feeling well. If you get symptoms of an infection, speak to your hospital team straight away.

We have more information about the symptoms of infection and how to manage your risk.