Why mouth sores develop during breast cancer treatment

Mouth sores are one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer. Radiation therapy of the head and neck area for metastatic breast cancer can cause mouth sores, as well. Known to doctors as mucositis, mouth sores can actually occur anywhere in the mouth, throat, or vaginal area and develop when the ultrasensitive tissue that lines these areas becomes inflamed.

A number of risk factors increase the chance of having to deal with chemo-related mouth sores while battling breast cancer. People who smoke or wear dentures are particularly at risk, and those who have a history of susceptibility to cold sores, canker sores, and gum infections tend to have more trouble with mouth sores than those who haven't struggled with these irritations in the past. Because alcohol is an irritant and dries mouth tissues, drinking can exacerbate mouth sores. A low white blood cell count can also contribute to mouth sores.

Chemo-related mouth sores tend to be episodic, appearing three to ten days after a chemo treatment. The first sign is a burning sensation in the mouth, and the ulcers appear soon afterward. These types of mouth sores usually clear up within a week or so, unless malnutrition slows recovery.

The best way to treat chemo mouth sores is to start boosting the body's ability to fight them off before they start.