Salivary Gland Diseases, Hyposalivation, and Xerostomia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Abstract

Treatment of head and neck cancers is associated with an increased risk for hyposalivation and xerostomia. Salivary glands are often unavoidable, indirect targets during radiation treatment and are damaged in a cumulative radiation dose-related fashion resulting in partial to total permanent loss of function of salivary gland tissue and patients experiencing xerostomia. Salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia lead to negative impacts on patients’ oral environment, function, and quality of life. Treatment remedies have limited effectiveness and may be accompanied by high financial burdens. This chapter represents information regarding the prevalence, severity, and management strategies for salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia induced by cancer therapies with particular focus on effects of radiation.