Salivary gland infection after RAI?

[onemoretime]

Anyone else have this after RAI?

Started having swelling and a stabbing, electric pain in my left parotid gland last week.  Saw my gp, who diagnosed sialadenitis, or salivary galnd infection.  We went with the easiest diagnosis.  The pain could also be a salivary stone blocking the duct (like gallstones, who knew?), or  salivary tumor, benign or malignant.  (He says salivary cancer highly unlikely, but this is the same guy who told me when he found the nodule on my thyroid that 97% of nodules are benign; a week later the FNA showed papillary cancer.  I remind him of this frequently, just to push his buttons!  He's a lovely man, really.)

I had a pretty big dose of RAI (200 mCi) and had problems with salivary swelling (right side of face) right after treatment, as well as loss of taste for the first two months and still have a very dry mouth 4 months later.  I'm guessing that the radiation damaged the salivary gland, which caused dry mouth, and hence the back-up/infection in the gland.

Currently taking 300mg clindamycin 4 times a day, for two weeks.  Doc told me to call after one week if not vast improvement and so far, day 5, not seeing much improvement.  Any thoughts, experience would be appreciated.

[Sue1812]

I too had blockage in my salivary gland following initial RAI. was treated by gp with strong antibiotics and had scans but no blockages. Just had second dose of RAI and now have ear infection. painful and more antibiotics. I am over this. May need more RAI next year. I saw dental surgeon and he was fantastic, his wife had been through same thing and he had answers. Try massaging swollen area to release infection, tastes yucky but works and sucking on sour lollies or chewing gum also helps.

[Katjack]

Having the parotid gland out as I too have severe stenosis from RAI. I have been dealing w pain and swelling for 3years and tried the hyperbaric chamber, steroids and antibiotics. none were effectice hence the last resort.

[tica19]

hi thank to all. i had Rai five months ago after my thyroid  been removed,
now iam feeling pain and swollen on my right side. over my salivary glands,
going to see a doc tomorrow.
i was very worried about/ i feel better now. thank u

[Cloulou]

I realize that your post was back over the summer but am wondering if you have relief of the gland burnout since then? I too have salivary gland burnout, 341 RAI really clobbered the soft tissue in my face and head.

I am scheduled for a Salivary Gland Dialation on the 30th of this month at a local hospital. Balloon Caths are inserted into the duct to try and reopen it so it will begin working again. I have had several rounds of antibiotics which calmed it some but it is very painful. Was told it was every thing from allergies to stones until my face and neck began to fill with fluid. I use hot compresses alot when I am at home it will release some of the nasty saliva that has been backed up and helps reduce some of the inflamtion.

Docs are tellling me about 5% end up like us and they may need to rethink the initial high dose of RAI because of it. I complained for months about ear aches before my face started to swell. The dialation is a temporary fix and may require additional procedures. I will let you all know after next Friday how it works. In the meantime my nephew the budding scientist was able to get me a publication from a study by doc at the VA Medical Center in Washington DC regarding stem cell transplants to regenerate burned out salivary glands caused by radiation, it does show some promise.

All the best to you
Cindi

[onemoretime]

Glad you found my post helpful.  And hope you're doing well after your TT.  FYI, I had an MRI two weeks ago, to check for a salivary stone/tumor, and everything came back clear.  My doctor and dentist think this has all been due to damage to the gland caused by RAI.  

Speaking of dentists, make sure yours is familiar with the affects of thyroid meds (my dentist said it can cause dry mouth on its own) and possible damage due to RAI.  My dentist was great during all of this, even special ordering sugar-free sour candy for me during my RAI isolation.

If you have any questions or concerns with your treatment, the folks on this forum are great.  My doctor is good with all of my clinical questions, but for the daily nitty-gritty of living without a thyroid (and for some, like me with cancer) the people here are wonderful.

Good luck!

[thyroidless1944]

I have chipmunk cheeks due to a toothache, but I haven't had RAI yet.  I just had a total thyroidectomy (2 weeks ago).  The toothache started two days ago in a tooth that I had work done on last year.  I had root canal and crown lengthening, after which I had numbness in that area.  Well, yesterday the dentist prescribed cliocin 150 mg. 8 tablets daily for two weeks.  I thought there might be a connection, but he pooh-pooed it.  Now, I'm wondering if it all has to do with the TT.  Even though this question was posted on July 7th, it was still helpful to me.  Thanks...

[onemoretime]

Thanks, everyone.  The swelling seems to be going down and the pain lessening.  I have a follow up this week with the gp; if he doesn't think it's improved enough, he recommended a CT scan to check for blockage.  He wants to avoid this, as do I, because I've had enough radiation, thank you very much.  But, I'll do what I gotta' do.  (Don't we all?!)

[utahmomma]

My sister had this *really* bad after her third dose of RAI (225mCi).  She let it go so long she nearly had to have surgery to drain the infection.  Get to an ENT.  Meanwhile, gargle with salt water.  This can happen after RAI but you need to get it taken care of.

[nissah46]

I also had the problems you describe.  I had RAI in Oct. 2006. My dose was 200mci.   Lost my sense of taste for about one month.  About 6 months after RAI my saliva glands were blocked so I had the pain and swelling especially when eating. I was on cloxacillin a couple of times, but it was determined that it was just a side effect of the RAI.  I now have a lack of saliva, so when eating dry foods I have water nearby.
Trish

[doreen221]

9 years ago I had my second RAI treatment.  My dose was also very high and I too had salivary problems, swelling, burning sensation, chip munk cheeks, etc., for some time.  Long story short, 9 years later I have damaged salivary glands which causes dry mouth, which causes dental problems.  My right gland still protrudes from my neck slightly.  I never had a salivary gland infection.   I hope this clears up soon for you, I can still remember the stinging/burning under my jaw when eating.