29 February 2012

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Side Effects

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a very rare disease that can attack different parts of the body such as brain, breast tissue, and lungs, however, in particular, it attacks the head and neck. As the disease spreads rapidly through nerve cells, the result will attack other parts of the body. The fact that it can spread at a rapid pace is what makes this disease so dangerous.

Similar to other forms of cancer, there should be various treatment options available. These treatments involve surgery, external beam radiation and neutron radiation. Despite a large number of effective options, it is imperative to keep in mind the potential side effects of adenoid cystic carcinoma. Below is a brief overview of some of these known side effects with regard to the treatment given.

Most patients feel very comfortable with the surgery because it has shown very positive results. However, when it comes to surgery, there are some side effects that should be taken into account. Although individuals vary, side effects of surgical procedures can vary depending on the location of the surgical site itself. Surgery involved in the parotid gland can cause damage to facial nerves, resulting in facial muscles downward. While this does happen from time to time, the facial nerve grafts in addition to other options reconstruction procedure can help restore the damaged muscle.

Side effects associated with external radiotherapy also depends on where radiotherapy was administered. There have been cases of burns or skin reactions that cause some discomfort and pain. While many people are receiving treatment to both the head and neck, a large number of patients had a sore throat or mouth. This can result in the loss of saliva production and difficulty swallowing. Often patients will experience tooth decay and suffer from speech disorders of the inability to swallow properly. The good news is that people who have suffered from adenoid cystic carcinoma can see both a therapist is highly trained and experienced dentist to improve speech and prevent tooth decay. It is very common for these types of health professionals working with patients ADCC.

Fibrosis, also called hardening of the muscles and skin, may develop several months or even years radiation therapy post. This can potentially lead to problems involving wound healing, tight necks, and new difficulty swallowing. Keep in mind that there are different medications to treat some of the challenges associated with adenoid cystic carcinoma. Both the patient and the physician should discuss the many treatment options available, as some options may be more advantageous than others.