What is radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis?
Radioactive Iodine-Induced Sialadenitis is swelling of a salivary gland as a result of high radiation doses from cancer treatment, which causes inflammatory salivary gland disease.
Alternative names
- Radioiodine sialadenitis
- Radioiodine-induced salivary inflammation
Symptoms of radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis
The primary symptom of radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis is swelling in the mouth, which is usually accompanied by dry mouth.
Causes of radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis
High radiation doses used to treat certain cancers, especially thyroid cancer, can damage the salivary glands, causing them to secrete less saliva. In turn, this can lead to dry mouth and swelling.
Exams and tests for radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order the following tests to provide an accurate diagnosis:
- An ultrasound
- An MRI sialogram to see if there is a blockage
- An assessment of saliva flow and character after giving lemon juice
Treatment of radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis
Radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis can be managed at home using:
- Adequate hydration
- Massages
- Warm compresses
Your doctor may also give you systemic steroids as an early treatment.
If these treatments don’t reduce your symptoms, sialendoscopy may be used. Penn Medicine ENT’s Salivary Gland Center is a national leader in this minimally invasive outpatient procedure and one of only two institutions in the Philadelphia region offering this cutting-edge technique. Sialendoscopy can be used to:
- Insert dilators, wires, balloons and other devices that widen salivary glands
- Provide irrigation and remove mucus plugs and adhesions
- Insert stents to open salivary glands
- Provide steroids through the duct to reduce swelling
Outlook (Prognosis) for Radioactive Iodine-Induced Sialadenitis
After treatment, many patients with radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis have a significant decrease in symptoms or no symptoms at all.
When to contact a medical professional
Contact your care team if you notice oral pain, swelling or dry mouth after radiation treatment for cancer.