Side Effects of Chemotherapy for Throat Cancer

Chemotherapy treats diseases with the use of chemicals. The chemicals used in chemotherapy are designed to kill fast-growing cells in the body. The fast-growing cells targeted by chemotherapy are often cancer cells, however, the body's natural cells can also be destroyed. In turn, chemotherapy causes side effects in the throat and mouth area.

Taste

• Chemotherapy can dull the tongue's sense of taste. Chemotherapy can lead to foods tasting metallic or chalky.

Dry mouth

• Chemotherapy can dry up saliva glands. The lack of saliva production leaves the mouth and lips dry. Dry mouth often lasts only as long as the chemotherapy treatments and can be combated by having water or ice chips handy at all times.

Pain

• Chemotherapy makes the mouth and throat sensitive to hot and cold foods. Chemotherapy also makes the throat and mouth tender, making it hard to chew and swallow.

Infection

• Germs are always present in large quantities in the mouth and throat. Chemotherapy weakens the body's immune system, making it hard to fight off infection in the mouth and throat.

Sores

• Chemotherapy will often times leave behind sores (stomatitis) in the mouth and throat. Chemotherapy also leaves the gums and jaw tender by drying out tissues. Chemotherapy can also cause white spots and bleeding to occur in the mouth, throat and on the tongue