Salivary Morbidity following Radioactive Iodine

Objective: 1) Determine the prevalence of sialoadenitis in patients treated with radioactive iodine (RAI) for well-differentiated thyroid cancer. 2) Determine if a reduction in swallowing-related or global head and neck quality of life exists in patients treated with RAI. 3) Assess any dose dependence of the primary objectives.Method: Surviving patients seen at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center for well-differentiated thyroid cancer were identified by review of the Hollings Cancer Center Registry. Patients were mailed a baseline questionnaire, the M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory, the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Xerostomia Quality of Life Survey.Results: Surveys were mailed to 379 patients and 145 were returned (38%). The study included 121 women and 24 men, with a mean age of 52. RAI exposure was correlated with an increase in sialoadenitis and was dose dependent (R2 = 0.336, P < .001). Of the 41 patients who received 100 or less millicuries (mCi), none reported siaload...