Parotid Gland

• By cabro
• Reply 3709838
• January 16, 2013 at 1:13 am
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My parotids flared up around 10 months after my RAI. I had a hard time, because we were not proactive enough. The left side was very painful for a long time.

I would work on using heat and massage, both of which helped me, plus Biotene mouthwash/rinse/spray. Also, suck on any kind of hard candy or chew some gum - anything to help stimulate salivation. But the heat and massage come first.

Rice sock to be heated gently in microwave in increments until warm enough to apply to face: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2yln_8frcE
Massage technique: http://www.sjogrens.org/files/brochures/Salivary_Glands_Massage.pdf

If it lasts more than a month, consult an ENT who is familiar with RAI and parotid issues (ask your endo for a referral). I had antibiotics at month #3 which finally helped mine to clear up.

• By clutzyme
• Reply 3711710
• January 16, 2013 at 4:39 pm
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Mine flare up on and off. My dr. said he could not feel the lump either but I can. He said it was probably the parotid gland and said it was from the RAI. He's my internist and knows almost as much as the endo and never gives me the run-around when I have weird symptoms since RAI. When I first started having trouble with the saliva glands swelling and the tear duct plugged, he told his nurse "that RAI is some wicked stuff" So there to all the doctors etc who say RAI doesn't cause these side effects. Keep applying heat, massaging until you taste the salty substance that comes out and then massage a little longer to make sure you clear it out. Mine is a lot better so have hope it will eventually not be an issue.

• By BeeBee01
• Reply 3711865
• January 16, 2013 at 5:29 pm
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If you feel just where the lower jaw hinges (for want of a better word) to the upper jaw, this is where the parotid lives. It swells for a whole range of reasons, when it does the pain can be quite extreme. Sometimes it swells painlessly.

Mine swelled up shortly after RAI. It has never gone down. It is a hard round lump. Benign.

An ultrasound can check yours out without giving you another dose of damaging radiation. Parotid tumours happen but they are still thankfully rare. If you are concerned, see your doc for an ultrasound.

• By cabro
• Reply 3711933
• January 16, 2013 at 5:50 pm
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The parotids are pretty large. http://radiopaedia.org/cases/parotid-diagrams

• By rch2tch
• Reply 3712473
• January 16, 2013 at 8:56 pm
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Ugh...we should call thyca the gift that keeps on giving! My right parotid is acting up and I hope all the suggestions help. Thanks!

• By nerd20
• Reply 3712723 · In reply to 3712473 by rch2tch
• January 16, 2013 at 10:18 pm
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Thanks for all your responses! I am more hopeful this is just a RAI side effect and not more cancer. I just LOVE when doctors don't acknowledge all of this. I end up feeling like I am crazy! But, Thanks to all of you, I realize how I am not alone and these are very real side effects! Just LOVE this group!!!