Carotid Stenosis from Intense Radiation

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Tryinghard
Tryinghard Member Posts: 18
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Has anyone been diagnosed with carotid stenosis due to the intense radiation for nasal pharyngeal cancer?   My husband had the 33 radiation doses, 3 chemo doses of cisplatian and one adjuvant of cisplatain and 5FU. Durung last chemo he started displaying coordination issues walking- dizzy, strange feeling and not steady straight walking.  Doctor now questioning carotid stenosis and possible TIA.  CT scan of brain and carotid ultrasound has been ordered. I kept telling the onocology urgent care unit nurses about these spells and chemo NP and the response was it is due to chemo or dehydration. Very upset at ths point of one more complication. 

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  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    #2
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    Probably just the chemo

    For comparison I had 39 rads and 3 rounds of Cisplatin. I also am inclined to believe that it's nothing more than the combined effects of the treatment. Wait on the scans and don't jump to any conclusions. I have very vivid recollection of taking short assisted walks and constantly tripping over  minor imperfections in the elevation between two sidewalk slabs. All the symptoms you mentioned are common to the treatment he received. Let them scan and rule out cartoid issues but it may just be part of the chemo and it will get better. I hardly ever trip anymore. All the best.

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #3
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    Me too....

    I also had rads to the nasopharnyx....at first, I'd get what I call "spells" where I'd literally have to sit or hang onto something, or stumble around and chance falling.  They'd last at the longest, 30 seconds.  Now....4 years later, I don't have spells any longer....tho I do have times where I feel light headed.  My ENT felt that nerves in my ears may have been damaged by rads....nerves that have since healed. 

    Like ratface said....it's always good to eliminate things....but chances are he is simply healing....and this will pass.  The last one I had was in April of last year.

    p

  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    edited August 2016 #4
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    Basilar vs carotid

    Jim has a 100 percent occlusion of his right basilar artery.  Tumor was hypopharyngeal and base of tongue on the left side so the radiation beam was directed toward the right  basilar artery.

    It is likely the radiation caused the occlusion. One full stroke and multiple mini strokes.

    Keep an eye on things and let your doctor know of any unusual symptoms.

  • Fireman
    Fireman Member Posts: 39
    #5
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    Carotid Stenosis




    Carotid stenosis is a real side effect of head and neck radiation. Studies have shown that people having head and neck radiation for cancer are at increased risk for this problem. I too had radiation in 2008 and from recent CT Scans it shows both my vertebral arteries are occluded and my left coratid is now stenosing to the point where I'll need a shunt to keep it open. My sysmptoms started with having vertigo from out of the blue which hit me one day while driving. Scary event, but as time went on, the episodes kept coming. I went to see what was wrong and after ruling out an inner ear problem, a CT Scan was ordered which revealed  the stenosis in my arteries. A CT Scan 2 years earlier showed some narrowing, but 2 years later the difference is remarkable. I went to a vascular specialist who confirmed it was continuing scaring from radiation (the gift that keeps on giving to some of us). I've been amazed through all of my ordeals how much many medical professionals do not know. A dentist didn't know not to pull a molar from my radiated jaw and in doing so saw me develop osteoradionecrosis of the jaw. Research who you receive care from after you are told you are cleared from cancer because though that may be true, you are not free from some of it's residual effects if you had radiation in the head and neck area. I don't remember being informed about any of this before treatment though I might have been, and advancements have been made in radiation equipment, but I've learned to be more proactive in seeking treatment going forward. 




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