Temporary radiation-induced hypo-salivation in a child
Jensen, J.L.; Langberg, C.W.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 117(21): 3077-3079
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 9381440 Document Number: 480980
This case report deals with the diagnosis and treatment of hyposalivation after radical radiation therapy and cytotoxic treatment of a metastasising nasopharyngeal carcinoma in an eight-year old girl. After cancer treatment the patient suffered from xerostomia, and pronounced hyposalivation was demonstrated. Frequent chewing of sugar-free gum and use of lozenges was recommended, and the patient was followed up for one year. During this time, the values for unstimulated whole saliva increased by a factor of five, and stimulated whole saliva values increased as well, but less so. Two years after cancer treatment, the patient no longer suffers from xerostomia.