Hi Folks, this is my first time here. In April of last year (2002) I was diagnosed with cancer on one of my vocal cords. Surgery removed three tiny dots and I underwent seven weeks of radiation. It's now eight months later but I often have mucous develope in my throat. After clearing my throat it goes away for a while but comes back. If I take a pill it gets stuck. I don't have to spit it up, clearing my throat and swallowing seems to do the trick.
My question is this; Does anyone know of a solution to this problem; Gurgling with salt water doesn't seem to help? Any advice would be appreciated. By the way I stopped smoking the same day I was diagnosed. Thank You. Chuck in Indiana
Hi Chuck, glad you found this board, there can be a lot of good information passed back and forth.
My Dad has lung cancer and also they radiated his throat, he has a lot of mucous. Dad swears that lemon juice helps clear the mucous. He has a bottle of it and will put about an ounce or so in a bit of warm water and drink that. It works for him so hopefully this may help you.
Hi Chuck, I had to have radiation to my neck and throat area and had/have the same problem as you. I found that it happened all throughout the day but for me it was worse at night when I was trying to sleep. So I drank hot herbal tea with lots of lemon before I went to bed. I also gargled with a mixture of warm water, salt, and baking soda. That seemed to help me during the day.
Pharmacists can be amazingly helpful with questions such as this one (and a whole lot more)! Besides over-the-counter remedies they know a lot of tricks of the trade.
Thanks so much for the info from all three of you. sorry we have to meet like this but at least we're here to meet like this. Have a wonderful day! Again, Thanks, Chuck in Indiana
Mucous after Radiation for Throat Cancer? 
