
Suggest Remedies For Neck Pain And Hardening Of Tissues In Shoulders Post Radiation Treatment

In addition to the above mentioned issues,I was on a feeding tube for approximatly five months in 2913.The Saliva problem was always there but has become acute during the last six months.Also the hardening of tissue is going into my shoulders and upper back and chest.My question is will this continue to get worse?Could the problem be from too strong a dose of Radiation?Or is this Radiation Poisoning?
signs of Fibrosis have set in..
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, Welcome to HCM,
I've gone through your query and understand your concern,
It seems like an extensive neck dissection done in 2013,
Now, all these are mainly symptoms of fibrosis(gradual thickening and scarring of the connective tissues secondary to the chemo-radiation)..
Your current treatment line is optimum only..yes the problem with salivation is mainly due to xerostomia for which Pilocarpine is the drug of choice which is already ongoing..
Unfortunately, I've to agree with the doctors of Mayo clinic as there's still no marked improvement as of now..researches are still on going..
However, if there's too much pain during chewing and swallowing, then TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve stimulation) can be tried, it's one of the new developments only, and very effective in this regard..you can discuss this with your Doctor..
No, it's not likely to be due to any Radiation poisoning, as the dosage are maintained before, during and after radiation therapy.. and if still there's doubt, then measurement of radiation index can be done, please discuss with your Rediotherapist/Oncologist, who'll perform this..
Good to know, the latest PET scan showed no cancer, but these are consequences of long term chemo-radiation only, which are progressive in nature..
To minimize symptoms, regular mouth washing with chlorhexidine mouth wash(3 times daily), flossing, using soft bristles tooth brush, regular follow-up with a dentist will be really helpful..
Please let me know if there's any further queries, i'll be glad to clarify..
Take Care
Kind Regards

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