Has anyone had surgery to remove scar tissue?

@colleenyoung yes, but Greg has swallowing issues not jaw issues as well as baroreflex issues. There is some on line evidence that the PENTO can help with this too. His voice and swallow Dr. at OHSU said it couldn’t hurt. I am looking for people who have tried it for post (15 years) radiation fibrosis.

@janetlev, you might also be interested in this related discussion:
- Are you experiencing baroreflex failure? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/are-you-experiencing-baroreflex-failure/

@janetlev, I moved your post to the Head & Neck Cancer support group as per your request.

I found this information about the combined use of pentoxifylline and tocopherol (PENTO) to help prevent osteoradionecrosis (ORN):
- Pentoxifylline and tocopherol for prevention of osteoradionecrosis in patients who underwent oral surgery: A clinical audit

It sounds like you are considering this after radiation, not as a prophylatic (before to prevent) for fibrosis. Do I have that right?

@harleytiger this company provides compression devices to use at home for lymphedema. They have found in addition to reducing swelling, Flexitouch is clinically shown to soften fibrotic tissue—a common complication in head and neck cancer survivors—with 97% of patients reporting softer tissue after use.
It may be worth checking out. https://tactilemedical.com/our-lymphedema-solutions/for-head-and-neck/

I am wondering if anyone on here has tried or heard of the PENTO protocol. pentoxifylline and vitamin E taken twice a day for throat fibrosis from post radiation throat cancer. Beside ORN there is some evidence that is can help with throat fibrosis as well as bareoreflex fibrosis.

@mazkat I would get a second opinion.

@ponygirlnd do you really think so?

@mazkat get another doctor!!! Right away 😢

I'm almost 2 years out from chemo and radiation treatment for tonsil cancer. It was first discovered by a swelling on my neck from a brachial cyst. They first removed that from the outside of my neck, then discovered cancer cells in it and removed my tonsil. There are now 2 smallish lumps along my surgery scar on the outside of my neck. I inly noticed them 3 weeks ago. My ENT says they're most likely scar tissue and don't touch them. I've asked for an ultrasound but he says no, just wait a few months to see. Should I wait?

I was treated for my SCC with radiation and chemo. Like many of us, the radiation caused fibrosis and tightening in my neck. To ease the fibrosis and to return some of the mobility, I had a surgery called fat grafting. Prior to the surgery, I began Botox injections in my neck, which which helped on their own. Then I had the fat grafting surgery where they remove fat, in my case my stomach, and inject it into my neck. During that surgery, they also "cut "some some of the fibrous chords in my neck. The net result of these two treatments is near normal movement in my neck, and almost no pain.