Radiation Induced Mucositis: What the Radiologist Needs to Know

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) is a frequent and severe complication following radiation therapy for head and neck cancers.
• RIOM can significantly impair quality of life, leading to pain, difficulty swallowing, and reduced oral intake, potentially requiring nutritional support.
• Severe RIOM may necessitate treatment interruptions or modifications, compromising radiation therapy efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of RIOM.
• To illustrate the typical imaging findings associated with RIOM for radiologists.
• To enhance the understanding and diagnostic capabilities of radiologists regarding RIOM.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of RIOM pathophysiology and clinical presentation.
• Compilation and analysis of illustrative radiological cases of RIOM.
• Focus on imaging findings relevant to practicing radiologists.

Main Results:

• Patient-reported symptoms are the standard for assessing RIOM, but radiological findings are less documented.
• This review details the imaging manifestations of RIOM, correlating them with clinical presentation.
• Illustrative cases demonstrate characteristic imaging findings for RIOM.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists play a crucial role in identifying and characterizing RIOM through imaging.
• Understanding typical imaging findings can aid in the diagnosis and management of RIOM.
• This review provides valuable insights for radiologists managing patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancers.