Side Effects Of Radiotherapy For Head And Neck Cancer Pdf

In the past this was accomplished with two large radiation fields on both sides of the neck matched with a third field coming from the front to treat the lower neck.

Side effects of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer pdf.

Nearly all of the side effects of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer may contribute to malnutrition. Learn more about possible side effects. Side effects that happen during your radiotherapy are called early or acute side effects. They usually begin 1 2 weeks after your treatment starts.

Surgery or radiotherapy for head and neck cancers can change how you eat and drink. Radiation therapy has side effects because it not only kills or slows the growth of cancer cells it can also affect nearby healthy cells. Treatments for this category of cancers often includes either chemotherapy radiation or both. Having radiotherapy for head and neck cancers can cause side effects such as a sore mouth and difficulty swallowing.

These drugs have their own side effects too so be sure you understand what to look for. According to the american cancer society other common side effects and coping strategies that can be taken include. Side effects can be mild or more severe depending on the size of the area being treated and the length of your treatment. Head and neck cancer includes cancer from the throat up.

Not all doctors agree on how these drugs should be used in radiation therapy. The side effects vary depending on the area treated the number of treatments the type of radiation therapy you have and whether it is combined with chemotherapy. As your treatment progresses these become more severe and are usually at their worst 1 2 weeks after your. Other side effects depend on the part of the body that is being treated.

Here are 5 side effects you must know about. Many people find that it gets easier to eat after treatment finishes. Side effects often peak in the final week of treatment or shortly afterwards then start to ease 2 3 weeks after treatment ends. Radiotherapy to the head and neck can cause temporary side effects such as a sore mouth or throat and difficulty swallowing.

Many people who get radiation therapy experience fatigue. Typically most head and neck squamous cell cancers are loco regionally advanced meaning they have spread in the neck area requiring treatment of both sides of the neck. While we cannot prevent side effects we can help you to manage them. The side effects from radiation can be lifelong issues that are sometimes life threatening.

This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy. If possible work with a nutritionist to select healthy food and drink choices that are digestible.