I had radiation for throad cancer in 2000 (I was 75 then). Cancer-free since then, but suffer from mucus production so thick and frequent that I am constantly spitting up mucus. Drs put in tube in throat (2004) since I can no longer swallow (eating through stomach tube for four yrs) or eat (due to radiation scarring) -- spitting out mucus all day through tube. March 2005, drs removed voicebox, removing necrotized tissue, in hopes I can eat and breathe. My thought was: removal of necrotic tissue=lessening of mucus but it's gotten worse. Thicker, more of it. I can't sleep at it. Can't breathe well.
Nows there' a tear in the fistula (from voicebox removal), so I'll need more treatment in that area.
Questions: 1. Please explain cause of this mucus production. Five drs haven't been able to explain why it is occurring consistently over the last five years.
2. Are there any ways to make it stop, or at least lessen to a manageable amount? Any medication I can take?
3. Drs say radiation caused it. But if radiated tissue is removed, why does it continue?
I appreciate your service, and look forward to your response.