Breath test to predict mouth sores from head and neck cancer radiation

Researchers are testing whether analyzing chemicals in your breath can help predict and diagnose a painful side effect called oropharyngeal mucositis—mouth and throat sores that develop during radiation therapy for head and neck tumors. By collecting and studying exhaled breath samples from cancer patients receiving radiation treatment, the study aims to create a simple, non-invasive test that could catch these sores early and help doctors manage them better.

Right now, doctors mostly rely on visual inspection and how patients describe their symptoms to diagnose mouth sores from radiation, which isn't always accurate or early enough to prevent serious problems. This trial exists to find a better, earlier way to predict and detect these painful sores so doctors can start treating them sooner and patients can have a better quality of life during cancer treatment.