Head & Neck Cancer
Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer
Radical radiotherapy for head neck cancer usually describes a high-dose radiation treatment given over 6 to 7 weeks to the area in the mouth or throat as well as the neck.
Head and neck cancer is the 6th most common type of cancer in the UK. It tends to affect twice as many men than women and is usually seen in the age range of 40 to 80 years old.
The indications for radiotherapy are either treating the cancer at first diagnosis or alternatively the use of preventative radiotherapy after the tumour has been removed by an operation. In the past simple forms of radiotherapy were associated with short and long-term complications of radiotherapy for head neck cancer. Particular problems were loss of taste, dryness in the mouth due to lack of saliva and difficulty with swallowing.
What types of Radiotherapy are used for head and neck cancer?
Modern radiotherapy reduces these side effects. Intensity modulated radiotherapy or IMRT radiotherapy for head neck cancer allow more accurate treatment of the tumour and less radiation of normal organs close to the tumour area. IMRT has been shown to significantly reduce the side effects of radiotherapy, particularly the avoidance of dry mouth after treatment and dysphagia (swallowing problems) after radiotherapy . Adaptive radiotherapy for head neck cancer involves changing the radiation fields during the treatment as the tumour size reduces.
Radiotherapy side effects
During your consultation, I will discuss with you what we can hope to achieve with radiotherapy and the side effects we might anticipate based on the radiotherapy options and the areas to be treated.
In general terms side effects that occur during the radiotherapy treatment include soreness of the skin and lining of the throat which can affect swallowing and be painful. Skin care during radiotherapy is important the mouth becomes dry and the mucus may be thickened. Fatigue is common. Loss of taste for certain food is frequently seen.
Long term side effects of treatment are seen in 5 to 10% of patients and usually include reduced saliva production leading to a dry mouth and loss of taste which usually takes several months to recover. Swallowing function can be affected in the long-term but can be reduced by the use of IMRT.
What happens after radiotherapy treatment?
Once the radiotherapy is completed and the immediate side effects of settled then you will be reviewed regularly. Typically, this is monthly in the first year with a clinic examination. Following completion of treatment CT and MRI scans are used and the PETCT scan is normally performed at 3 months. Long-term checkups are required after radiotherapy treatment for head neck cancer and usually will be every few months for at least 5 years.
