Effect of cryotherapy on oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancers receiving radiotherapy

Background: Mucosi s is an important adverse effect of cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to inves gate the effect of ice cubes on oral mucosi s following head and neck radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 head and neck cancer pa ents who underwent radiotherapy. The pa ents were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups of 20 each. The pa ents in the experimental group received instruc ons for sucking ice cubes before and a er each radiotherapy session for five minutes during the study period. Oral examina ons were performed on the 1st, 7th, and 14th days of the study. Pain severity and mucosi s were evaluated by a checklist and self‐reported assessment by the pa ents at the above‐men oned intervals. Results: As me passed, the mean of pain intensity in the control group significantly increased (p<0.001), whereas the experimental group showed no significant difference during the study period (p>0.05). Pa ents’ self‐assessment in the control group showed significantly higher oral discomfort during the study period (p=0.012). In contrast, self‐assessment of pa ents in the experimental group exhibited no significant changes during the study (p>0.05). Conclusion: Although no significant difference was observed in mucosi s intensity between the experimental and control groups, pa ents using ice cubes during radiotherapy sessions felt more comfort in their oral cavity.