To describe the characteristics of radiation induced mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) during radiotherapy, and analyze the effect of radiation induced mucositis on diet patterns and weight change and the influencing factors for radiation induced mucositis.

Patients with HNC treated with radiotherapy in one cancer hospital were recruited. Data were collected before, during and at the end of the radiotherapy, which included radiation induced oral and pharyngeal mucositis, pain during eating, diet patterns and weight.

Two hundred and two patients were completely investigated and 43.5% and 34.2% of the patients suffered from moderate to severe(≥grade 2) oral mucositis and pharyngeal mucositis, respectively during the radiotherapy. At the end of radiotherapy, 53.5% and 51.5% of the patients suffered from moderate to severe oral mucositis and pharyngeal mucositis (≥grade 2), respectively. Oral and pharyngeal mucositis were significantly correlated with pain during eating, diet patterns and weight(P<0.05). Tumor site was the main reason that affected the severity of mucositis(Wald χ²=26.033, 14.216; P<0.001).

Radiation induced mucositis was gradually aggravated with radiotherapy progress, which is closely related to pain during eating, change of diet patterns and weight loss. The severity of mucositis is related to the tumor site. Measures should be taken to strengthen the management of adverse reactions and nutritional status of patients.

Head and Neck Cancer; Radiation Induced Mucositis; Pain; Diet Pattern; Weight