Managing and Treating the Side Effects of Head and Neck Radiation Therapy
Mucositis Mucositis usually resolves once therapy is completed. Prophylactic measures may help reduce the severity and duration of mucositis. This includes maintaining good oral hygiene and rinsing with sodium bicarbonate solution (baking soda and water), even before mucositis develops. Additionally, avoiding spicy, hot, and acidic foods may help reduce the severity and duration of mucositis. It is recommended that one brushes with a mild toothpaste when experiencing mucositi
Head and Neck Radiation Basics: What to Expect
A cancer diagnosis is indubitably stressful, life-altering and overwhelming. Cancer not only affects us physically but it also influences us psychologically. And, in the midst of dealing with a diagnosis, you may struggle with understanding new medical jargon, learning about seemingly foreign treatment modalities and handling myriad appointments with different specialists. This basic guide may aid you in understanding radiation therapy as it applies to the head and neck and w
Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaw: What is it? - Blog post featured in Side Effects Support LLC Blog
Here is the article featured in Side Effects Support LLC Blog: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a serious long-term side effect of radiation therapy. The definition of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw has changed throughout the years and remains unclear given our limited knowledge of ORN. Nonetheless, currently, most consider ORN a condition characterized by the presence of exposed bone, which fails to heal after high-dose radiation (greater than 50-60 Gy). Although the time frame at
What are some of the side effects of head and neck radiation?
Xerostomia/Hyposalivation Xerostomia is the medical term for the sensation of dry mouth. Hyposalivation signifies a reduction in salivary flow and is an objective, measurable entity. Radiation therapy affecting the head and neck where the salivary glands are in field of radiation is associated with salivary gland atrophy. Radiation doses of 25 Gy or greater are associated with hyposalivation, reduced salivary flow and function. In addition to reduced flow, the saliva produced
Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Therapy: To Dive or Not To Dive
Wait what? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves delivering oxygen at higher than atmospheric pressure for a certain time period. It is used to treat a variety of medical conditions ranging from the bends to gas grene to carbon moxonide poisoning to osteoradionecrosis of the jaw. It consists of patients undergoing ‘dives’. A dive means receiving 100% Oxygen at 2.4 atm for 90 minutes. The question as to whether HBO therapy is beneficial in preventing ORN is debatable. To dive Wai