Assessment of post-radiotherapy salivary glands

Br J Radiol. 2011 May;84(1001):393-402. doi: 10.1259/bjr/66754762.

Abstract

Salivary glands are usually irradiated during radiotherapy for head and neck cancers, which can lead to radiation-induced damage. Radiation-induced xerostomia (oral dryness) is the most common post-radiotherapy complication for head and neck cancer patients and can reduce the patient's quality of life. Accurate and efficient salivary gland assessment methods provide a better understanding of the cause and degree of xerostomia, and may help in patient management. At present, there are different methods for the assessment of salivary gland hypofunction; however, none of them are considered to be standard procedure. This article reviews the value of common methods in the assessment of post-radiotherapy salivary glands.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Radiation Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Salivary Glands / radiation effects
  • Salivation / radiation effects*
  • Xerostomia / diagnosis*
  • Xerostomia / etiology