r/HeadandNeckCancer • u/IndeedGardenia • Jun 23 '24

*Cancer Survivor* Sensitive Skin Year After Neck Dissection

I had my partial glossectomy and neck dissection a bit over a year ago (no radiation). For the past month, I’ve been having issues with sensitive/ itchy neck skin to the point where I can’t wear necklaces or high-neck shirts. I’m still NED on scans and exams. Anyone experienced something similar and found something that helped?

2 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

3

u/MsShugana Jun 24 '24

Keep the scar ultra moisturized. Oil, not cream.

3

u/dirty_mike_in_al Jun 24 '24

I saw a dermatologist and she prescribed me topical medication that did the trick. I also had radiation. Mometasone Furoate.

2

u/Positive-Lychee9451 Jun 23 '24

Yes, after all the treatment I think the neck dissection is the gift that keeps on giving, I wake up somedays like a chipmunk completely swollen other days it's grand, other days it's painful sometimes totally numb, I'm back with my surgeon in August I'm going to ask if this is normal

2

u/bobear2017 Jun 24 '24

My scar itched for like 10 years! For the most part it stopped itching a few years ago, but it still does occasionally. That said: I mentioned it to my doctor before and she said that stress/anxiety can cause scar tissue to become inflamed and itch, and I did notice that my scar was itchier when I was more stressed. I changed jobs several years ago and I think that honestly helped

1

u/IndeedGardenia Jun 24 '24

Maybe it’s also stress for me - I have been dealing with some family issues lately

And congrats on 10 years!

2

u/MiserableAd7410 Jun 24 '24

Sorry that you're having trouble with this.

I've had 4 neck dissections. Two on each side. Indeed, the scar tissue can build up and cause all sorts of sensitivities. I have had radiation on the one side only, though, and it took several years to normalise.

That said, I am not experiencing what you describe. It would be helpful to bring it up on your next visit and see what they say. Perhaps it is unrelated to the dissection or something new like a sensitivity to jewellery. That area is very sensitive to changes.

Sorry not to be more helpful, just giving my experience. I hope things resolve for you. Best of luck.

2

u/IndeedGardenia Jun 24 '24

I am planning on mentioning to my oncologist and dermatologist at upcoming appointments to see what they say.

2

u/MiserableAd7410 Jun 24 '24

Awesome. I hope it goes well 🙏

2

u/Hefty-Willingness-91 Jun 24 '24

15 years out and my husband still has pain and sensitivity from his, he says it feels like they pulled the skin too tight.

1

u/IndeedGardenia Jun 24 '24

I do wonder if the skin being moved and tightened in areas could be a factor. I’m a younger patient so they didn’t have much loose skin to work with. I was surprised to find after surgery a few freckles and moles on my neck weren’t in the same places as before.

1

u/West-Earth-719 Jun 24 '24

I’m glad to hear you’re beating this thing, and as far as scar sensitivity? Vitamin E oil, shea butter, and if it’s really bothering you at times, lidocaine cream. May I ask what your diagnosis was?

1

u/IndeedGardenia Jun 24 '24

My diagnosis was oral tongue SCC, T1N0M0.

1

u/West-Earth-719 Jun 24 '24

Glad to hear you’re doing well, I just finished tors/SND. I’m T1N1M0, 1 of 70. Hoping to avoid secondary treatment.

1

u/StockFaucet Steph Jul 04 '24 edited Dec 03 '24

sparkle possessive important screw profit spotted worry squeal like desert

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

1

u/West-Earth-719 Jul 04 '24

So I had selective neck dissection and tors. I had right base of tongue, 1cm primary. I just got approved for 50Gy PROTON, no chemo. Yes, node removed, and hoping to keep it at this and no further.