Radiation-induced xerostomia: pathophysiology, prevention and treatment.

Radiation-induced xerostomia is highly prevalent among patients treated for head and neck cancers. Consequently, survivors experience associated long-term toxicities that may be grouped as xerostomia syndrome: dry mouth, sore throat, altered taste, dental decay, changes in voice quality and impaired chewing and swallowing function. We present a review of published studies describing and reporting xerostomia and discuss advances made in the prevention and treatment of this common toxicity.

Citation

S A Bhide, A B Miah, K J Harrington, K L Newbold, C M Nutting. Radiation-induced xerostomia: pathophysiology, prevention and treatment. Clinical oncology (Royal College of Radiologists (Great Britain)). 2009 Dec;21(10):737-44

Mesh Tags

PMID: 19833490

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