Radiation (high-energy rays) is used to kill cancer cells. Radiation can be administered externally using a machine, or internally by implanting seeds, wires, or catheters that emit radiation directly near the cancer.
To treat head and neck cancer, radiation is often administered after surgery to prevent cancer from returning. Radiation may also be used to shrink tumors before surgery. Or, radiation may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy to treat small tumors or to treat patients who cannot have surgery for some reason.
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Radiation to the head and neck may cause side effects. Talk to your doctor about how to treat and manage these side effects.
Side effects may include:
- Redness, irritation, and sores in the mouth
- Dry mouth or thickened saliva
- Swallowing problems
- Changes in taste or loss of taste
- Nausea
- Ear aches
- Radionecrosis (tissue destruction) of tissues in head and neck
- Dental caries
- Hypothyroidism
Learn more about head and neck cancer:
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