Xerostomia secondary to radiation therapy

Xerostomia secondary to radiation therapy is a treatment-induced oral complication characterized by the subjective sensation of dry mouth accompanied by salivary gland hypofunction

It primarily affects oncology patients receiving ionizing radiation directed to the head and neck region, resulting in collateral damage to major and minor salivary glands within the treatment field

It primarily affects oncology patients receiving ionizing radiation directed to the head and neck region, resulting in collateral damage to major and minor salivary glands within the treatment field

Pathophysiologically, ionizing radiation induces acute apoptosis and chronic necrosis of secretory acinar cells, progressive interstitial fibrosis, microvascular injury, and loss of functional glandular parenchyma

Clinically, this leads to a profound reduction in salivary flow rate and altered saliva composition, frequently causing oral soreness, difficulty with mastication and deglutition, dysgeusia, accelerated dental caries, and heightened susceptibility to oral candidiasis

Clinically, this leads to a profound reduction in salivary flow rate and altered saliva composition, frequently causing oral soreness, difficulty with mastication and deglutition, dysgeusia, accelerated dental caries, and heightened susceptibility to oral candidiasis