What causes mucositis?
The cells that line the digestive tract are rapidly producing. In other words, the life span of these cells is very short compared to other cells in the body. Chemotherapy agents do not differentiate between healthy cells and cancer cells. Because the digestive tract cells reproduce rapidly, the chemotherapy agents can destroy them quickly, breaking down the protective lining, leaving them prone to inflammation, irritation, and swelling. Mucositis can be even further complicated by nausea and vomiting that often occurs with treatment.
