Excel sheet file of 50 head and neck cancers whom suffer from oral mucositis due to radiotherapy

Radiotherapy (RT) is indispensable in treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC). Oral mucositis (OM) is a complication in HNC patients undergoing RT. The study aimed to identify the incidence, distribution of OM, and its effect on treatment breaks in a section of HNC.

Methods: This is an observational, descriptive cross-sectional study.  50 patients with primary HNC, treated with External Beam Radiotherapy, from 1st January to 30th April, 2017. Cases of OM graded according to the World Health Organization scale.

Results: 80% of patients below 65 years, and male/female ratio was 2.6: 1. Tumor sub-sites were nasopharynx 36%, larynx 22% then parotid 14% and tongue 12%. 74% were smokers during or before starting RT. 86% were in stages III or IV. Incidence of OM was 72%, 16% grade I, 40% grade II, and 16% grade III, and it occurred in 93% females and 64% males, of them 79% received concurrent regimens.

Conclusions: OM occurred in HNC treated by RT, more in females, who received CT plus RT, and tumors of oral cavity and nasopharynx. OM related unplanned breaks may interrupt treatment schedule. HNC imposes double burden in Iraq as it attacks productive age group. The vast majority diagnosed in advanced stages.