Radiation Induced Mucositis: What the Radiologist Needs to Know
Department
Radiology
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology
Abstract
Radiation induced oral mucositis (RIOM) is a common and debilitating complication of radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. RIOM can lead to oral pain, dysphagia, and reduced oral intake, which can be severe enough to necessitate placement of a feeding tube or utilization of total parenteral nutrition. When severe, RIOM can cause premature termination of radiation therapy and can alter treatment plans leading to suboptimal treatment doses. While patient reporting of RIOM symptoms has been the gold standard of documenting RIOM progression, little has been described in the radiology literature concerning the typical imaging findings of RIOM. Herein, we review the pathophysiology and clinical presentation that underlies the development of RIOM with illustrative cases to highlight the relevant imaging findings related to RIOM for the practicing radiologist.
First Page
899
Last Page
904
DOI
10.1067/j.cpradiol.2020.10.006
Volume
50
Issue
6
Publication Date
11-2021
PubMed ID
33279307
Recommended Citation
Rao, D., Behzadi, F., Le, R. T., Dagan, R., & Fiester, P. (2021). Radiation Induced Mucositis: What the Radiologist Needs to Know. Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology, 50 (6), 899-904. https://doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2020.10.006