Hello, I’m looking for some advice for my mouth. I’m on immunotherapy and I am really struggling with how sore my mouth is recently! I have ulcers on my gums, and my tongue and roof of my mouth is red raw! I’ve been given gelclair sachets and difflam mouthwash, and am using bonjela. They ease it a little but it’s not great. I’ve phoned my chemo nurse who can’t think of anything else. Just wondering if anyone knows of anything else?
thank you
Hi Hannah1996.
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community, I hope you are finding it supportive. My name is Helen and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists. I’m sorry to hear that you are having so many problems with soreness and ulcers in your mouth.
Soreness and ulceration of the lining of the mouth or throat is called mucositis. It is a relatively rare side effect of immunotherapy.
We would recommend you have a face to face consultation with your oncologist, if you have not already done so, to check it is definitely related to your treatment.
We would expect your team to perform a physical examination, check your bloods and take swabs to check for any possible infection. They will also be able to prescribe you a strong pain killer which will help with soreness you are experiencing.
We would suggest you do this as soon as possible, ideally today, as the risk of infection to any open ulcers in your mouth is increased by the fact you are on immunotherapy.
I hope this information has been helpful, but if you need any further support please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.
Best wishes
Helen, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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