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Could Radiation For Tonsil Cancer Cause Sore Throat?
hi
I am a 57yo post 5 month radiation-chemo from tonsillar cancer. I did amazingly well through treatment but here is my issue. I have had rather bad GERD for about 5 yrs. During treatment I had a sore mouth but probably, because of the restricted diet, for the first time in years I had 3 months of NO sore throat! Once back on a regular diet however, the reflux has come back with avengance_super sore throat in morning. I worry about what this is doing to the radiation site which has obviously been fried. Is it extra sore because of the radiation? How long does soreness last post radiation? Have been to my GP and tried a new PPI with no change. I know that with just a glass of wine I pay an even bigger price. Any advice? My oncology check ups have been good. Josey
I am a 57yo post 5 month radiation-chemo from tonsillar cancer. I did amazingly well through treatment but here is my issue. I have had rather bad GERD for about 5 yrs. During treatment I had a sore mouth but probably, because of the restricted diet, for the first time in years I had 3 months of NO sore throat! Once back on a regular diet however, the reflux has come back with avengance_super sore throat in morning. I worry about what this is doing to the radiation site which has obviously been fried. Is it extra sore because of the radiation? How long does soreness last post radiation? Have been to my GP and tried a new PPI with no change. I know that with just a glass of wine I pay an even bigger price. Any advice? My oncology check ups have been good. Josey
Fri, 28 Aug 2015
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
It is possible that your immunity has slowly reduced with chemotherapy and radiation and this might make it possible for you to get mild infection in the throat. After you had the treatment session and then went back to your normal diet, then probably it caused the symptoms of acid reflux to return. It is likely that the restricted diet worked well for you but it is difficult to stick to such a diet for a long time.
Radiation also makes the area sore and possible there is acid reflux early in the morning which probably causes your symptoms. You might like to discuss any newer PPI and also take additional precautions to deal with your GERD better. Please take small regular meals instead of larger meals. Sit up straight for at least 30 minutes after having a meal. Keep the head end of your bed raised by 6 inches to make you feel better in the mornings. Drink adequate amounts of water and avoid fasting. Please do not worry.
Thanks for writing in.
It is possible that your immunity has slowly reduced with chemotherapy and radiation and this might make it possible for you to get mild infection in the throat. After you had the treatment session and then went back to your normal diet, then probably it caused the symptoms of acid reflux to return. It is likely that the restricted diet worked well for you but it is difficult to stick to such a diet for a long time.
Radiation also makes the area sore and possible there is acid reflux early in the morning which probably causes your symptoms. You might like to discuss any newer PPI and also take additional precautions to deal with your GERD better. Please take small regular meals instead of larger meals. Sit up straight for at least 30 minutes after having a meal. Keep the head end of your bed raised by 6 inches to make you feel better in the mornings. Drink adequate amounts of water and avoid fasting. Please do not worry.
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