The Negative Effects of Radiation on the Parotid Glands Explored in New Article
Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) November 18, 2013 -- In an article recently published on ParotidMD.com entitled “Effects of Head and Neck Radiation on the Parotid Glands,” Babak Larian, MD, FACS, explains the possible damage to the parotid glands that can occur as a result of head and neck radiation. A large number of patients suffering from forms of head and neck cancer have to undergo radiation therapy. This can unfortunately have an adverse effect on the parotid glands.
“Nearly all patients who undergo radiation to the head and neck experience some decrease in salivary gland function during and after treatment. For many patients, proper salivary function does eventually return, but sometimes more serious conditions can develop as a result of the radiation exposure and cause uncomfortable, even painful, symptoms,” said Dr. Babak Larian.
Patients who have undergone head and neck radiation often experience reduced saliva flow, causing an uncomfortably dry mouth. Unfortunately, radiation exposure is also the most well known cause of salivary gland tumors. Most salivary gland tumors are seen in the parotid glands.
“The parotid glands are the largest salivary glands and the ones most likely to develop a cancerous tumor. Parotid cancer will require the surgical removal of the tumor and, in some cases, the entire gland. This surgery is a complex one as the facial nerve goes through the parotid gland,” explained Dr. Larian, renowned parotid gland surgeon.
Dr. Larian is known for his minimally invasive parotid gland surgery techniques. In fact, he is one of only a few surgeons in the nation who can perform the micro-parotidectomy—the minimally invasive removal of the parotid gland. Working with the assistance of a facial nerve expert at all times, Dr. Larian is able to remove the cancerous parotid tumor/gland with little trauma to the surrounding tissue.
“The exact size of the incision used is, of course, dictated by the size of the tumor, but we always use the smallest possible incision and advanced surgical technology to ensure the safety of the facial nerve and the effective removal of the cancer,” said Dr. Babak Larian.
World-renowned parotid gland surgeon Babak Larian, MD, FACS, is a graduate of the highly regarded U.C. Irvine School of Medicine and has completed a six-year residency program in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA. As the Director of the Center for Advanced Parotid Surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Larian and his team of experts are responsible for the performance of cutting-edge minimally invasive salivary gland surgeries. Dr. Larian aims to provide his patients with the best possible care and surgical outcomes 100% of the time.
For more information about Dr. Larian and the CENTER for Advanced Parotid Surgery, please contact his office today by calling (310) 461-0300 or visit him on the web at: http://www.parotidmd.com.
Risa Luksa, La Peer Health Systems, http://www.lapeerhealth.com/, 855-360-9119, [email protected]
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