Hyposalivation: the roles of radioactive iodine and stapes surgery

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to call attention to the role that radioactive iodine ((131)I) and stapes surgery may play in causing hyposalivation.

Materials and methods: The manner in which (131)I and stapes surgery can cause salivary damage was reviewed. A case report is presented to illustrate the involved pathophysiology.

Results: The case report clearly shows the significant injury to the parotid glands caused by the (131)I. However, subjective symptoms of oral dryness only developed after injury to the chorda tympani nerve (CTN) during stapes surgery.

Conclusions: The loss of function of both parotid glands after (131)I therapy for thyroid cancer was initially compensated by the secretions of the more radiation-resistant submandibular and sublingual salivary glands (SMSG/SLSG). Damage to the CTN's secretory fibers in one SMSG/SLSG complex led to subjective oral dryness by accentuating an existing objective hyposalivation.