Ionizing Radiation Side Effects on Salivary Glands Post External Beam Radiation Therapy of Head and Neck Tumors

Introduction: External beam radiation therapy is a treatment modality for a group of malignancies clustered under one diagnostic heading as head and neck tumors. These tumors can be found in the oral cavity, larynx, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, nose, cervical esophagus, nose, lips and paranasal sinuses. The external beam radiation therapy relies on ionizing radiation to destroy the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the malignant cells leading to their death. This study aimed at examining the side effects of ionizing radiation on salivary glands post radiation therapy of head and neck tumors.

Methods: A literature search using Google search engine, Science Direct and Medline was conducted to find publications detailing the side effects of ionizing radiation on the salivary glands and the consequential effects on the quality of life of people previously treated for head and neck tumors using external radiation beam therapy.

Results: Ionizing radiation causes structural and physiological alteration of the salivary glands resulting in reduced functional capacity and reduced saliva flow rates. People previously treated for head and neck tumors suffer from dry mouth, dental caries, oral candidiasis, mouth pain and sleeping problems.

Conclusion: People treated for head and neck tumors with ionizing radiation suffer from dry mouth, dental caries, and malnutrition among other associated health problems.

Author(s): Mpumelelo Nyathi

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