Clinical management of salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia in head-and-neck cancer patients: successes and barriers.
review · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 20970030.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2010.06.052 and PMC identifier 2964345.
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Abstract
The most significant long-term complication of radiotherapy in the head-and-neck region is hyposalivation and its related complaints, particularily xerostomia. This review addresses the pathophysiology underlying irradiation damage to salivary gland tissue, the consequences of radiation injury, and issues contributing to the clinical management of salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia. These include ways to (1) prevent or minimize radiation injury of salivary gland tissue, (2) manage radiation-induced hyposalivation and xerostomia, and (3) restore the function of salivary gland tissue damaged by radiotherapy.
Medical subject headings
- Head and Neck Neoplasms
- Radiation Injuries
- Salivary Glands
- Xerostomia