The effect of head and neck cancer treatment on whole salivary flow

Abstract

The effects of multimodality therapy for head and neck cancer on whole salivary flow were evaluated. Eighteen subjects with head and neck cancer were studied. Resting and stimulated whole salivary flow rates were recorded, pretreatment, after individual modality therapy, and posttreatment. Twenty-four subjects with no history of head and neck cancer matched for age, and sex distribution, served as controls. Primary site, stage, major salivary glands resected, radiation fields, and dose to major salivary glands are reported. The average salivary flow rates for 18 subjects following treatment was reduced 83% for resting and 86% for stimulated saliva from pretreatment levels. The null hypothesis that the overall resting and stimulated whole salivary flow rates are unaffected by treatment (surgery and radiation) of the head and neck cancer was rejected (P values at 0.05 level of significance). Stage and location of primary, total dose delivered to and volume of gland exposure are important factors when predicting xerostomia following multimodality therapy.

Long term chemoradiotherapy-related dental and skeletal complications in a young female with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

“…Caries development in patients treated for cancer is attributed to post-radiation xerostomia and its duration 11,17,23–25. In the present patient, radiation caries was present mainly in the posterior maxillary and mandibular teeth.…”

The Influence of Radiotherapy on the Lifetime of Silicone Rubber Voice Prostheses in Laryngectomized Patients

“…4 Oral complications during or after radiotherapy are directly correlated to the irradiated volume of salivary gland tissue. 5 In contrast to mucositis, which is a reversible side effect, hyposalivation is an irreversible effect, especially in patients with head and neck cancer when the major salivary glands are included in the radiation field and who received a cumulative radiation dose of more than 40 Gray. 6 The flushing effect of salivary flow is the most important protector of the oral tissues against pathogenic microorganisms.…”

Effects of xerostomia on perception and performance of swallow function

“…8 Xerostomia can cause mucositis, oral caries, oral discomfort, abnormalities in taste perception, difficulty manipulating and propelling a bolus, difficulty initiating a pharyngeal swallow, and impaired nutrition. 1,4,[8][9][10][11][12] No study has related patient perception of swallowing problems and oropharyngeal swallow measures to saliva production.…”