Has anyone researched Salivary Gland reconstruction?

Posted by harleytiger @harleytiger, Nov 23, 2025

As a lot of us are suffering from is damage done by radiation on our salivary gland(s). Has anyone been researching the possibility of restoring your lost salivary gland? I'm almost 3 months out of radiation on Rt Tonsil HPV, and I am worrying my saliva will never be the same? Sometimes I think I feel saliva, but really I'm not sure? I have dry mouth, but it's better than it was 1 month ago.
I googled what is happening now with restoration and it is Gene Therapy and Stem Cell research? There are doctors and scientists trying to find a solution due to the numbers of patients ever increasing. There is also a YouTube video from a doctor whose father had neck cancer and lost his gland. She is very motivated to help. Has anyone found success or encouraging news from your ENT or Oncologist about restoring functions?
It's a real problem for eating, speaking, and exercising. Plus, not to mention the dental problems. I'd love to hear what everyone has learned? Thanks, Tim

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kamrin | @kamrin | Dec 13, 2025

Hi Tim,
What about chewing gum? I had dry mouth after tors for a while but it improved slowly.

harleytiger | @harleytiger | Dec 14, 2025

In reply to @kamrin "Hi Tim, What about chewing gum? I had dry mouth after tors for a while but..." + (show)

@kamrin Radiation got my salivary gland.

cskippy | @cskippy | Dec 15, 2025

Hello, Yes I've been checking into Salivary Gland Surgery because I'm producing too much saliva.

harleytiger | @harleytiger | Dec 16, 2025

I don't know which is worse, not producing enough or producing too much?

cskippy | @cskippy | Dec 16, 2025

In reply to @harleytiger "I don't know which is worse, not producing enough or producing too much?" + (show)

@harleytiger I think both, you need saliva moist to help you swallow food... to much it's on overdrive its hard to swallow it's like you have to much going down.

pat125 | @pat125 | Dec 17, 2025

Hi
I have a problem
Of hyper salivation too. Lots of very thick and sticky saliva for more than a year. I have Pancreatic cancer and had chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. I haven’t been able to swallow or eat or drink anything since then. It is very depressing because i can’t live a normal life.
I am desperate to find a solution.
Do you have the same problems?
How do you cope?
Thanks for your help.
Take care