Definition: Mucositis is the inflammation of your mucous membranes, which are tissues that line your digestive system – all the way from your mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum to your anus. Mucositis is caused when chemotherapy attacks and kills the rapidly-dividing cells in your mucous membranes. It is a common side effect of certain types of chemotherapy for breast cancer, although it is becoming less common as better drugs are developed.
Pronunciation: myew-co-SI-tis
Also Known As: Oral mucositis, gastrointestinal mucositis, stomatitis
Alternate Spellings: mucousitis
Common Misspellings: mucusitis
Examples:
Mucositis feels like sunburn (or heartburn) on your mucous tissues, and often leads to sores in your mouth or on your tongue. Caphosol is one of many treatments for mucositis.
