A case of radiation-induced mucositis

Abstract

Oral mucositis is a common morbidity induced by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy for head and neck malignancies. This often results in treatment delays, premature treatment cessation and increased cost. New treatments for oral mucositis are emerging but their success is variable. This is a case report of oral mucositis in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) reported after 11th fraction of radiotherapy. Chief complaints were ulceration of mouth with painful swallowing. Clinical diagnosis as per the World Health Organization Grading Scale was Grade 3 oral mucositis. Phytolacca 30C was prescribed on the basis of acute totality of symptoms. Ulcers were reduced considerably within 4 days and radiotherapy was restarted and 22 fractions of radiation were completed. This case report suggests that homoeopathic intervention may be the treatment for mucositis in cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment.