Chemotherapy and Its Side Effects: Chapter 3 - Side Effects of Chemotherapy

D. Other Side Effects

D.4. Mucositis

Mucositis refers to the inflammation on the mucous membrane in the digestive system. It is one of the side effects resulted from both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract starting from the mouth. Mucositis in the mouth is often referred to as oral mucositis, which is a common side effect for patients treated by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Severe mucositis can lead to other complications including infections and difficulty to eat.

© Jiajiu Shaw, 2020

Disclaimer: This blog is written solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other medical professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All contents posted are extracted from the book, "SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIOTHERAPY", prepared by Dr. Jiajiu Shaw, Dr. Frederick Valeriote, and Dr. Ben Chen.

Chemotherapy and Its Side Effects: Chapter 3 - Side Effects of Chemotherapy

C. Intestine (also see mucositis)

Chemotherapy often causes diarrhea. Crypt epithelial cells on the lining of the small intestine reproduce almost as fast as the bone marrow cells. Therefore, crypt cells are often easily damaged by chemotherapy.

Epithelial cells derived from crypt cells actively secrete electrolytes and play an important role in the re-absorption of water secretion in the intestines. During a normal digestive process, suitable amount of water are secreted into the lumen of the small intestine as part of the digestion process; most of the water is reabsorbed afterwards. Damage of crypt cells by chemotherapy disturbs the normal water-absorption process in the intestine, thus causing diarrhea.

© Jiajiu Shaw, 2020

Disclaimer: This blog is written solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other medical professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All contents posted are extracted from the book, "SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIOTHERAPY", prepared by Dr. Jiajiu Shaw, Dr. Frederick Valeriote, and Dr. Ben Chen.