Oral mucositis following chemo- or radiation therapy can be graded according to clinical severity. The grade can help determine the interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications associated with oral hygiene.
Appearance
Sensitivity
Ability to Eat/Drink
Grade
normal, no mucositis
none
yes
0
focal, mild tissue changes with white anemic changes and/or erythematous patches
none
yes
I
focal, mild tissue changes with erythema and thinning of mucosa and/or small ulcerations < 2 mm in diameter
slight
yes
II
focal-diffuse, moderate tissue changes (less than half of mucosal surface involved) with erythematous, denuded and/or ulcerated mucosa; blood clots present but no active bleeding
moderate
eating and drinking with difficulty
III
marked, diffuse tissue changes (more than half of mucosal surface involved), with erythematous, denuded and ulcerated mucosa; active oozing and/or bleeding
marked
unable
IV
(after Table 2, page 81, Hebert et al)
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
