A patient who underwent chemotherapy has dry mouth and pain when swallowing. What condition is this?

Correct answer: A. Radiation caries

• A. Correct. Chemotherapy-induced mucositis presents with painful erythematous/ulcerative lesions throughout the oral mucosa, causing dysphagia and dry mouth. It is a direct toxic effect on rapidly dividing mucosal cells.
• B. Incorrect. Candidiasis after chemo is possible but presents with white removable plaques, not primarily pain on swallowing.
• C. Incorrect. Sjogren's syndrome causes chronic dry mouth — not an acute chemo complication.
• D. Incorrect. Radiation caries is a late complication of head/neck radiation, not acute chemotherapy.

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