Radiation

Radiation in the form of external beam radiation is a key element in the therapeutic toolbox utilized for the treatment of cancer. Because of the anatomic location of the major salivary glands, they often are in the path of the destructive radiation beam being utilized in the therapy of head and neck malignancies. A radiation sialadenitis develops whose primary sign is hyposalivation with associated oral pain and problems with mastication and swallowing. Radioactive iodine (131I) is used as a key element in the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer. Unfortunately, the administration of radioactive iodine has an adverse effect on iodine avid tissues, most frequently the salivary glands. Sialadenitis with obstructive symptomatology often develops from the effects of 131I radioactivity. Hyposalivation becomes an issue when high 131I doses are administered.