Salivary gland injury resulting from exposure to radioactive iodine: case reports

Radioactive iodine 131 ((131)I) is an effective treatment for differentiated thyroid carcinomas. (131)I targets thyroid tissue and is picked up by the salivary glands. Collateral damage results in the development of radiation sialadenitis.

The authors describe salivary gland injuries that developed in two patients who received therapeutic doses of (131)I used to treat thyroid carcinoma. Accurate assessment of the glandular damage was achieved via a radioisotope study using technetium Tc 99m pertechnetate.

In the majority of cases, when a patient receives therapeutic doses of (131)I, the patient develops an asymmetric radiation sialadenitis. Obstructive symptomatology is to be expected. Oral dryness occurs less often and is related directly to high dosages and the passage of time. Clinicians should be aware of the condition to avoid unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic measures.