Mouth inflammation from cancer treatment

Chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation and head or neck radiotherapy can damage the lining of the mouth. Early reporting and daily mouth care limit pain, infection and nutritional problems.

• Red, shiny, swollen or burning lining of the mouth and throat.
• Painful small ulcers or areas with a white-yellow coating and red border.
• Check the mouth daily and report new redness, pain, ulcers, white coating or bleeding early.
• Brush gently with a very soft brush and use mild toothpaste according to the mouth-care plan.
• Call the oncology team the same day for fever, chills or rapidly becoming more unwell, especially when low immunity is expected.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.