About B. Love AS, R.T.(R) (ARRT) Expertise Answer - any questions concerning radiographic (X-Ray) positioning, exam expectations, procedural concerns, effects of radiation, as well as other modalities such as CT, and MRI.
Experience I have over 15 years of experience in X-ray, as well as several years of teaching radiographic examinations and positioning, anatomy pathology, etc.
Organizations American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT)
American Society of Radiologic Technologist (ASRT)
Education/Credentials As of the end of 2008 I will be certified for MRI as well as completing my Bachelors of Science in Radiographic Sciences (BSRS)degree. Currently I hold an Associates degree in Radiological Sciences from Kent State University in Ohio. I am a registered Radiographer in Ohio and Florida and certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT).
Expert: B. Love AS, R.T.(R) (ARRT) Date: 6/25/2008 Subject: Severe sore throat years after radiation therapy
Question I has cancer about 13 years ago and I recieved radiation therapy as part of my
treatment. The good news is I have been considered cured for about the last
7 or 8 years. The trouble is with my throat. I have had a difficult time eating
since treatment because of the dry mouth. I drink a lot of water to wash food
down. However, for the past year or so, I keep getting a recurring sore throat
with no other symptoms. I feel OK - no fever or anything - but eating and
swallowing is like swallowing razor blades. Sometime my throat will chap and
bleed a bit because of the dryness and that comes and goes. Usually, that
does not amount to the pain I am currently experiencing. I live in AZ and the
dry air does not help. Anyway, I have been to see my Dr. and he believes the
issue is a consequence of the radiation 13 years ago. He called it something
but I don't remember what the term was. What I would like to know is if this
is a known side effect of radiation - that you could have chronic sore throats
years later, and if so, is there something that can help relieve the symptoms
or heal my throat when it gets sore? Thanks in advance for any information
that might be applicable to this situation.
Answer In my opinion I agree with your physician. the problem here is the radiation has caused irreversable changes in your throat. This is why we in the medical field are given stringent guidlines for exposure because we have the ability to controle it unlike cosmic or background radiaiton we all suck up on a yearly basis. medical radiation accounts for a small amount of the total amount of radiation we all get under NORMAL conditions...but again we can control it. The problem with large doses like therapy, is the potential for cellular damage.
I would think there may be some sort of throat spary or if it is serious enough it is possible, under extreme circumstances, usually to avoid cancer, of taking a piece of bowel and putting it in place of some of your esophagus because bowel has the same charecteristcs of the esophagus as far as wavelike contractions (peristalsis) etc.
I doubt this would happen for you though just saying there are ways but how far does one want to go.
It never hurts to get another opinion.
I do not feel like I helped much...but check into a spray...even one to numb the pain may be helpful.
