(Information extracted from Julie C. (2009). Eating well: A practical guide for people living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders. Lilian D, (Ed.). Australia: Leukaemia Foundation.)
A sore mouth or throat, also known as mucositis, is a common and uncomfortable side-effect of some cancer treatments. It usually starts about a week after the treatment has finished and goes away a couple of weeks later. During this time your mouth and throat could get quite sore and it may be difficult to eat. Soluble paracetamol and other topical drugs (ones which can be applied to the sore area) can help. If the pain becomes more
severe, stronger painkillers might be needed.
- Take painkillers as prescribed
- Keep your mouth as clean as possible
- If you normally wear dentures, remove them once you feel your mouth becoming sensitive
- Avoid food that can irritate your mouth. These may include citrus fruit juices, citrus fruits, spicy or salty food and alcohol.
- Choose soft, moist food that are easier to swallow. Examples:
- Cool/warm broth or soup with pureed meat and vegetables
- Minced meat or fish with sauce
- Milk or soy milkshake with honey, lecithin and yoghurt
- Yoghurt with natural honey (for extra energy)
- Soft dessert, e.g. custard, mousses, crème caramels, rice puddings, ice cream
- Pasta with sauce
- Eggs and egg dishes such as omelette, scrambled egg
- Soft or pureed fruit, e.g. stewed apple, pear, prune, peach, watermelon
- Bread dipped in egg and lightly fried served with honey and cinnamon
