We often talk about how radiation is the gift that keeps on giving. My cardiologist just did a ultrasound on my carotid artery and everything was fine. His experience was that long term effects of radiation to base of tongue cancers appear anywhere from three to ten to fifteen years after radiation.
It's a quick painless test, Here is a link to a nice visual chart on how radiation can damage the carotid. You have to scroll down midway thru the article to click on the link labelled view illustration: late effect of radiation. I couldn't get the sub link to work
Late effects of radiation
The article its from is very interesting and it appears that the IMRT now is better focused than the old radiation but I hope to live those ten to fifteen years to find out for myself.
Keep the faith
Charm

I hope Gary, our resident radiation expert, and/or Brian comments on this. I have e mailed this to my RO to see what comments he may have as well.

As one who now has 3 stents in my right carotid since 2008 which keeps getting blocked over 90% at different points, I can attest to this being true. I had XRT in 1997. My cardiologist says my problems are the results of that radiation. My left is blocked about 60%. Cholesteral is excellent on meds. Keep an eye on it. I had no symptoms the first time.

This is not limited to those with base of tongue cancers. Mine was an unknown primary with mets to one node in the neck.

Take care,
Eileen

Thanks Charm,

This was a really interesting story. And the site itself is really great, too. Dr Lamonte is so correct when he points out that patients need to educate themselves, instead of assuming the doctor always knows best.

But, instead of just telling patients, Dr. Lamonte should work to educate his colleagues. My husband�s RO would roll his eyes if I showed him this. The phrase �I saw this on the Internet� doesn�t go over that well with many doctors. The anecdotal evidence is strong, but until it gets published in a medical journal many doctors are not going to take it seriously.

Goof thinking Charm, I had mine biopsied a few months ago, and ultra sound too. The biopsy is when the pain meds did nothing but all was well. Evne if I did leave life size prints on the edge od that table. LOL

I had an ultrasound last Spring, and all was good, but agree that this needs to be part of the ongoing monitoring we all endure.

Great advice Charm. A check of the carotid was never discussed with me by any of my treatment team. I first learned of this through my Cardiologist when I had my first post-canter TX echo I have annually to keep tabs of a leaking Aortic valve. I do this at Emory here in Atlanta where I also had the cancer TX to where all of my records there are consolidated. This enabled my cardiologist to be so informed of the cancer activity as I don't know if I would have had any reason to bring it up with him. He has advised of a periodic carotid check for me as well.

Bill D.

My MO recommended I have a corotid ultrasound last Fall. I did and all was fine. His recommendation was a result of my migraine headaches disappearing subsequent to completing radiation. He thought possibly a constricted carotid could be the reason but all was fine.

Carotid aterery occlusion, due to radiation damage, is part of collateral damage for many H&N patients. An Ultrasound scan is a good idea. Some have had to have stents installed.

Hi Charm,
Saw this in an email from CURE today. I was treated at Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX first half of 2005 for StageIII BOT. My medical oncologist sent me for a MRA shortly after discharge and all was well, but I will get this checked again soonest.
Thanks for the post.
Harry

The occlusion doesn't happen right away. It may take a couple of years for full manifistation.

Had mine checked with ultrasound three weeks ago purly on the recomendation of this site. The cardiologist said it was just as important as my checkups with my ENT. I got lucky, after my diagnosis I used a loophole in the insurance law in my state to get a gold plated insurance policy so I can walk into any doctor and get any test without a preapproval. It costs an arm and a leg but is worth it.

Sorry for starting a separate thread on the Cure magazine stuff. I guess I shouldn't wait so long next time.

I am in the lucky 1% now with significant late effect issues. It has been creeping up from year 3 to now (year 7 1/2). There is not much that can be done other than sit back and watch the deterioration.

You want to specifically ask for the Doppler Ultrasound.

Ed