Common cancer treatment can have this painful side effect

During active cancer treatment, patients face many smaller battles on the path to remission.One of those lesser-known struggles is a condition known as chemo mouth, a painful side effect of chemotherapy and radiation.For some, chemo mouth can result in mouth sores and other uncomfortable symptoms, like a limited ability to eat, drink or even speak, according to experts.In an on-camera interview with Fox News Digital, Dr.Rajiv Saini, a dentist and periodontal specialist from Katy, Texas, discussed the seldom spoken-about condition. As cancer rates trend high throughout the U.S.

— with the National Cancer Institute projecting that 26 million people will be diagnosed by 2030 — Saini said chemo mouth is likely to be one of the most common side effects.Among those who have had head or neck cancer, 90% will experience these symptoms.Out of all cancer survivors, around 40% will suffer from the condition.Saini, a Harvard Medical School graduate, said the main symptoms of chemo mouth are red, swollen and painful sores in the mouth, also known as oral mucositis.Patients may also experience a burning sensation that can be intensified by spicy food.They also face a higher risk of contracting fungal infections.Chemo mouth can also cause xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth, as well as a metallic taste, which can disrupt appetite.“Cancer treatment damages the salivary glands present in the mouth, which are responsible for producing the right amount of saliva,” Saini said.

“So it really deteriorates the oral condition.”“When your mouth is dry, it lacks all the minerals, all the natural enzymes,” he added.“There’s an imbalance in the oral microbiome.” Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.

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Never miss a story.Saini shared that one of the “mos...