Vascular Issues Post-Treatment?

Hello @catlyn. That is an interesting question. I have not been diagnosed with that and am 13 years post radiation/chemo for H&N SCC. One side of my neck was hit the hardest with radiation as the tumor started in my ear canal. One thought that I had in reading your post was my local oncologist suggesting having carotid scans periodically. I didn't really discuss the reasoning with him, but perhaps damage to these arteries is worth watching for? I hope someone else can comment here who has had experience with this diagnosis.
Please share what you learn from your visit with the vascular neurologist.

Hi Catlyn,
I'm sorry you are finding out about the aftereffects of radiation at this stage. It's been 19 years since I underwent treatment and had never heard of cerebrovascular disease mentioned. They do an ultrasound bi-annually of my carotid arteries, with the results always being >50%, which may be why they are running these tests. My doctor told me I was fortunate because the carotid on the dissection side had two branches, one of which he could save.

I will mention this since you are 13 years out, monitor your blood pressure regularly. I became aware of my blood pressure (BP) fluctuations after experiencing a headache about 11 years out, despite my readings being normal when checked at the clinic. It took a year before they diagnosed me with baroreflex failure, the failure of the mechanism in one's neck that controls BP. Just another gift of radiation. In one study I read, up to 80% of patients receiving treatment for cancer of the neck will experience this eventually. My fluctuations occur mostly at night, known as nocturnal hypertension. There is no cure, and treatment only involves monitoring and medicating to reduce its effect. It's your own personal rollercoaster ride. Good luck!

Thank you for your caring thoughts and helpful information. I have been receiving ultrasounds of the carotids for the last 5 years or so and over the same time period I've had several MRIs and CTs for various reasons. What I've learned is that one of the ultrasounds shows that my basilar artery (main artery to the brain) is very narrow, which the doctors believe is congenital and that the surrounding arteries have compensated for this variation. However, the carotid on the left and a few other surrounding arteries are showing blockage, hence cerebrovascular disease diagnosis and concern re further damage to the basilar artery. During the past few weeks I've seen the vascular neurologist and have had another carotid ultrasound, a CT angiography, and a transcranial doppler study (the latter assesses blood flow in the brain's arteries). Oh, and I've found out that I've had a silent stroke at some point. The tests also were to evaluate how much damage may have occurred from that event. I'm asymptomatic and generally in good health (good weight, no alcohol or smoking, etc.), which is a good. The doctors will continue to monitor with ultrasounds, CTAs and other tests on a 6-month or annual basis and we'll manage with medication. My BP tends to the high side (although it never used to ... it was textbook during all of my cancer treatments -- a time when I'd think it would be high). I've not heard of baroreflex failure and find that very interesting. I'm going to mention that at my next doctor's visit. So, in the end, it appears the vascular issue isn't totally related to the cancer treatment at all and I appreciate you're listening as I've sounded off on this matter. I thank you for your support. ;o)