Thank you Londres. We definitely do not want to risk a malignancy but are concerned about the risks of the radiation as well. Someone had suggested that we consult the oncologist regardless of whether we had made the decision to radiate or not; just to get his opinion and thoughts as he'd have more info on the actual risks of the radiation....
Yes - thank you very much for your insight. We want to do the right thing and are trying to determine if the "wait and see" approach is the best or if we should consult the radiation oncologist. The surgeon gave us a reference for the oncologist but noted that it wouldn't hurt to wait six months (to allow the tumors to start to grow back). I presume that is so they could pinpoint more accurately where they would need to do the radiation as he said that they'd likely grow in the same place again.
Since your husband has had his third parotidectomy to remove pleomorphic adenomas he definitely needs to do the radiation. He definitely shouldn't risk the fourth time it being malignant.
There are several unfortunate side effects to radiation; these CAN happen, not a given they WILL happen. Plus, with each treatment he CAN experience different side effects, i.e. treatment #1 weakness and fatigue, treatment #2 dry mouth and appetite decreased.
Your statement...."Can the radiation ward off future recurrences of pleomorphic adenoma?" I can't put a "percentage" on the risk of reoccurence after radiation, but the radiation will LOWER the risk of reoccurence tremendously vs. having no radiation.
Discuss this thoroughly with the surgeon; present him with the questions you have presented in this forum.
If your surgeon mentioned it, then it may be worth it, as only some authorities recommend post-surgery radiation as follow-up treatment.
Only your husband can decide if it's right for him.
Side effects from radiation therapy vary from person to person, depending on:
-the amount of radiation
-the part of your body being treated
-your treatment schedule
-your general physical health
-other medications you are taking
These include:
-anxiety or depression
-changes in appetite
-fatigue
-skin changes in the treatment area
-changes in sleep patterns
-hair loss in the treatment area
My uncle was blonde his entire life. After his radiation therapy he now has jet black hair.
How long do side effects last?
It takes time for healthy cells to recover from the effects of radiation therapy, so side effects may continue even after treatment is over. Some may continue for weeks or months after your treatment. Other side effects, such as infertility, might be permanent.
If he has a total parotidectomy then he should not get it back...if he keeps getting partials it will.
Hope this helps.