#61087 06-12-2007 12:14 AM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP  Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Thought I would raise a topic that seems to have only been discussed once on the forum.
I recently noticed that when I eat, the skin under my chin gets moist. This is in the area where I had my neck dissection. I mentioned it to my surgeon and he said it was "Gustatory Sweating".
I did some research and if my understanding is correct, this is a common occurence in people that have had their parotid gland removed. What happens is that the nerves that innervated that gland, will regrow and cause sweat glands in the area to produce sweat when you eat.
I am assuming that some of the nerves to my submandibular salivary gland were severed during surgery and they are now affecting the sweat glands in this area. This is also the area where I am permanently numb.
According to what I have read, with parotid gland removal, the sweating can be quite significant. Some have to resort to using anti-perspirants in the areas affected. Fortunately, what I am experiencing is just a moistness, with no obvious buildup that anyone would notice.
I was wondering if anyone else has these symptoms since, like I said, I've only been able to locate one time that this was mentioned on the forum and there was very little response to it.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
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#61088 06-12-2007 02:55 AM | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 27 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: May 2007 Posts: 27 | A nurse that I spoke with recently whose husband had oral cancer told me about this. Her husband also had his parotid gland removed. When he eats he has the same thing occur.
Pam
Caregiver of husband, age 57, non-smoker, DX: 4/07 w/undifferentiaed SCC, TX IMRT X37 @ 200, Chemo Cisplatin, 5FU X2. TREATMENTS COMPLETED ON 6/20/07!!
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#61089 06-12-2007 03:31 AM | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 19 Member | | Member
Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 19 | Jerry,
My mother had this condition after having her parotid glands removed. She didn't have cancer, but had numerous stones in both glands and recurrent inflamation. I don't know the name for that condition. Anyway, she had pretty significant sweating along the sides of her face -the area where she had the surgery.
It wasn't a great inconvenience. It only happened when she was eating, and she was able to blot it with a napkin and it wasn't very noticeable.
Barb | | |
#61090 06-12-2007 03:56 PM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Thanks Pam & Barb. You have confirmed what I read about this affect after parotid gland removal. I appreciate your input.
I know many OCF members have had neck disections and since I haven't been able to find anything written about this happening after surgery in the submandibular gland area (no removal of the gland) I was interested in knowing if anyone else has, or is having, these same symptoms.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
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