Does anyone have any knowledge on radiation fibrosis? Since radiation never leaves your body, it can continue, in some people, and cause progressive damage. I was treated for throat cancer in 2010. Lots of radiation treatments, as probably most of you have been through. I've always had some residual issues, especially in the lung area because radiation created scar tissue. However, in the past 6 months i've been having more and more problems with throat area. Airway narrowing, difficulty in swallowing (especially pills), constant coughing (sometimes to the point that I spasm), excessive mucus. I've been back many times to my ENT as things just get worse. He told me what it was, but said there is nothing that can be done for it. I'm going to get a 2nd opinion, but would love to hear from someone who knows anything about it. Thanks for reading.

Sandy23,

I have radiation fibrosis in several areas, but I’m no expert. I have looked into the subject, and found they say there is really no cure for it, just supportive care. A former rehab doctor at Memoria Sloan Kettering, Dr Stubblefield, is an expert in this area and is now in NJ, at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation Care, so I missed seeing him in NYC.

Most recommend rehabilitation care. I assume SLP does exercises that may help as I’ve been through it several times.

For swallowing, I’ve had throat stretches by my stomach doctor (my mind is starting to fade) wheby they stretch your throat under sedation, usually when they do a yearly biopsy for barrets esphogus it has helped my swallowing.

There are a few books on the subject, one by Dr Stubblefied, and many arrticles on the subject such as this one:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/27913002

https://www.mskcc.org/sites/default...sis-syndrome-michael-stubblefield-md.pdf

Good luck

I have a stiff neck after treatment.
Doctors say its fibrosis and surgery scars
not sure what is the best way to fix fibrosis , some say Physio.
I have been through several physio therapists . it is just too hard

I went to a speech /swallowing therapist, who gave me some very good and easy exercises.
Some as easy as just looking as far left and right several times, each day.
Maybe it will be frustrating at first, but as you stretch out your neck, hopefully you will gain mobility and less pain.
Everything with this cancer recovers so slowly, but surely.
You will recover over time, stay positive.