Medical: Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It is a common treatment for head and neck cancer, which includes cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx, sinuses, and salivary glands.
Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy. The type of radiation therapy that is best for you will depend on the type and stage of your cancer, your overall health, and your personal preferences.
How does radiation therapy work?
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, making it difficult for them to grow and multiply. This can lead to the death of cancer cells.
There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy.
External beam radiation therapy is the most common type of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. It involves delivering radiation to the tumor from a machine outside of the body.
Internal radiation therapy involves placing radioactive material inside the body, near the tumor. This can be done by placing radioactive seeds, pellets, or wires directly into the tumor, or by injecting radioactive material into a vein or artery that leads to the tumor.
Side effects of radiation therapy
Radiation therapy can cause a variety of side effects, depending on the area of the body being treated and the dose of radiation being given. Common side effects of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer include:
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Skin irritation
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
Most side effects of radiation therapy are temporary and go away within a few weeks or months after treatment ends. However, some side effects can be long-lasting or permanent.
Benefits of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer
Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for head and neck cancer. It can cure cancer in some cases, and it can also shrink tumors and relieve symptoms in other cases.
Radiation therapy is also a relatively well-tolerated treatment. Most side effects are temporary and mild.
FAQs
Q: When is radiation therapy used to treat head and neck cancer?
Radiation therapy can be used to treat head and neck cancer at any stage, but it is most commonly used to treat early-stage cancer. It can also be used to treat cancer that has returned after other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy.
Q: What are the different types of radiation therapy used to treat head and neck cancer?
The two main types of radiation therapy used to treat head and neck cancer are external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy.
External beam radiation therapy is the most common type of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. It involves delivering radiation to the tumor from a machine outside of the body.
Internal radiation therapy involves placing radioactive material inside the body, near the tumor. This can be done by placing radioactive seeds, pellets, or wires directly into the tumor, or by injecting radioactive material into a vein or artery that leads to the tumor.
Q: What are the side effects of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer?
The side effects of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer will vary depending on the area of the body being treated and the dose of radiation being given. Common side effects include dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, skin irritation, hair loss, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
Most side effects of radiation therapy are temporary and go away within a few weeks or months after treatment ends. However, some side effects can be long-lasting or permanent.
Q: What are the benefits of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer?
Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for head and neck cancer. It can cure cancer in some cases, and it can also shrink tumors and relieve symptoms in other cases.
Radiation therapy is also a relatively well-tolerated treatment. Most side effects are temporary and mild.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy is a safe and effective treatment for head and neck cancer. It can be used to cure cancer in some cases, and it can also shrink tumors and relieve symptoms in other cases.
If you are considering radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this treatment option.
