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Suggest Treatment For Swollen Glands In Neck
Question: I just had XXXXXXX on friday. My lower face neck and lymph noes are swollen. No problems breathing. I had thyroidectomy in feb for follicular cancer. What does the swelling in these areas mean? Thank you
After the XXXXXXX for thyroid cancer does the swollen lymph nodes indicate the cancer was also in the lymph nodes?
After the XXXXXXX for thyroid cancer does the swollen lymph nodes indicate the cancer was also in the lymph nodes?
Brief Answer: XXXXXXX
Detailed Answer:
Most likely the swollen glands in the neck are salivary glands. They are normally present in our neck and are responsible for making saliva.
Most patients treated with 131-I experience dose-related reductions in flow of saliva, and some experience temporary decreased or altered sense of taste ('hypoguesia'). Although previously thought to reduce the risk of inflammation (ie bruising) of the saliva glands (called sialadenitis in medical terms) , the use of lemon candies in the first 24 hours was associated with higher rates of sialadenitis, hypogeusia, and dry mouth due to increased delivery of radioiodine to salivary gland tissue through the bloodtream. Therefore, the use of lemon candies or other similar treatments as a means to reduce radiation sialadenitis remains controversial. Since radioiodine is washed out rapidly after the administration of lemon juice, additional studies are needed to determine optimal timing of administration to reduce delivery of radioiodine to the salivary glands and provide optimal washout.
NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen are usually adequate for relieving symptoms of acute sialadenitis; other type of medication called glucocorticoids are rarely required but are effective in more severe cases. In a related observation, dental caries and teeth extraction were markedly higher in patients who developed dry mouth after XXXXXXX , and so you need proper oral hygiene and regular dental care.
Detailed Answer:
Most likely the swollen glands in the neck are salivary glands. They are normally present in our neck and are responsible for making saliva.
Most patients treated with 131-I experience dose-related reductions in flow of saliva, and some experience temporary decreased or altered sense of taste ('hypoguesia'). Although previously thought to reduce the risk of inflammation (ie bruising) of the saliva glands (called sialadenitis in medical terms) , the use of lemon candies in the first 24 hours was associated with higher rates of sialadenitis, hypogeusia, and dry mouth due to increased delivery of radioiodine to salivary gland tissue through the bloodtream. Therefore, the use of lemon candies or other similar treatments as a means to reduce radiation sialadenitis remains controversial. Since radioiodine is washed out rapidly after the administration of lemon juice, additional studies are needed to determine optimal timing of administration to reduce delivery of radioiodine to the salivary glands and provide optimal washout.
NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen are usually adequate for relieving symptoms of acute sialadenitis; other type of medication called glucocorticoids are rarely required but are effective in more severe cases. In a related observation, dental caries and teeth extraction were markedly higher in patients who developed dry mouth after XXXXXXX , and so you need proper oral hygiene and regular dental care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
You never addressed my question.
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I did. The swelling most likely represents salivary glands and not lymph nodes. Only a physical examination and Ultrasound can tell for sure though
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I did. The swelling most likely represents salivary glands and not lymph nodes. Only a physical examination and Ultrasound can tell for sure though
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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