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Side
Effects of Oral/Throat Irradiation
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Side
Effects of Oral/Throat Irradiation
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Even with the best of care the lining of the mouth often gets burned (called mucositis, see pic#1 and pic#2.) Click on the following to read the discussion of the most common side effects: dysphagia (trouble swallowing) mucositis (inflamed mouth), xerostomia (dry mouth), dental, osteoradionecrosis (damage to jaw bone), and others. For a complete list go here and for more on treatment go here. There is a risk of causing hypothyroidism (go here) and in patients who stop swallowing a risk of stenosis (closure) of the pharynx or esophagus. Go here for review of side effects and treatment and dental care. Go here and here for a review of radiation induced dryness (xerostomia.) Use the pull down menu to review more information about side effects. |
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Some people who receive radiation to the head
and neck experience redness, irritation, and sores in the mouth; a dry mouth or thickened
saliva; difficulty in swallowing; changes in taste; or nausea. Even at 6 months most
patients still have a dry mouth and poor taste (see study results.)
Unfortunately most radiation fields (or ports) include most of the salivary glands (see picture.) Any dose above
4000cGy can have long term effects on saliva production, but there is some recovery with
time based on the dose (see study.) Try
not to let these symptoms keep you from eating. Other problems that may occur during treatment to the head and neck are a loss of taste, which may diminish appetite and affect nutrition, and earaches (caused by hardening of ear wax). You may notice some swelling or drooping of the skin under your chin as well as changes in the skin texture. Your jaw may also feel stiff and you may be unable to open your mouth as wide as before treatment. Jaw exercises may help ease this problem. Report all side effects to your doctor or nurse and ask what you should do about them. |
