Destruction of epithelial cells lining the GI tract commonly causes which condition?

Destruction of epithelial cells lining the GI tract commonly causes which condition?

• A. Anorexia
• B. Nausea
• C. Mucositis
• D. Diarrhea

Answer: (C)

Destruction of GI epithelial cells from chemotherapy or radiation injures the mucosal lining, producing mucositis. This is a direct mucosal injury characterized by inflammation and (often) ulceration of the mucous membranes throughout the GI tract, which is exactly what happens when these rapidly dividing cells are hit by cytotoxic therapy. Mucositis explains the painful, inflamed mucosa you’d expect with damage to the lining, and it can contribute to feeding difficulties and infection risk. Anorexia and nausea are common symptoms but aren’t the specific tissue injury caused by epithelial destruction, and diarrhea can occur as a consequence of mucosal damage but is not the term for the mucosal injury itself.

Destruction of GI epithelial cells from chemotherapy or radiation injures the mucosal lining, producing mucositis. This is a direct mucosal injury characterized by inflammation and (often) ulceration of the mucous membranes throughout the GI tract, which is exactly what happens when these rapidly dividing cells are hit by cytotoxic therapy. Mucositis explains the painful, inflamed mucosa you’d expect with damage to the lining, and it can contribute to feeding difficulties and infection risk. Anorexia and nausea are common symptoms but aren’t the specific tissue injury caused by epithelial destruction, and diarrhea can occur as a consequence of mucosal damage but is not the term for the mucosal injury itself.