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HEAD AND NECK CANCERS
Head and Neck Cancers are commonly treated with radiation therapy. The technology we use and the number of treatments depends on how advanced the tumor is (stage) and what type of symptoms you have (if any).
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Head or Neck Cancer, click the link below to request a consultation with a Coastal Radiation Oncologist.
Typical Treatments
For information about the types of technology available through Coastal Radiation Oncology
What To Expect
Once your doctors have determined that radiation therapy may be part of the treatment plan for your Head and Neck Cancer, there will be a few steps to allow the radiation oncology team to begin treatment safely.
These include:
CT simulation
Treatment plan design (dosimetry)
Verification
Start of daily treatments
Weekly doctor visits with your radiation oncologist
Side Effects
Short term:
Side effects are usually temporary and usually go away shortly after treatment ends. Below is a list of possible side effects you might notice during your treatment.
More likely
Fatigue
Weight loss
Decreased appetite
Skin irritation
Dry mouth
Hair loss on face or back of head
Loss or altered taste
Mouth ulcers
Pain with swallowing
Thick mucous/secretions
Swelling of neck
Less likely
Temporary feeding tube
Difficulty swallowing
Voice changes
Cough
Severe skin reaction
Shortness of breath
Difficulty opening mouth
Lung inflammation
Ear fullness
Long term:
After the short-term side effects of radiation therapy resolve, others may become noticeable months or years later.
More likely
Weight loss
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Loss of hair on face/back of head
Neck swelling
Discoloration of skin
Thickening/tightness of neck
Difficulty swallowing
Chronic taste changes
Less likely
Decreased thyroid function
Permanent feeding tube
Voice changes
Tooth decay
Difficulty opening mouth
Hearing loss
Spinal cord damage
Jaw damage
Brain tissue damage
Arm nerve damage
Second cancers
More Information
For more information about the diagnosis and treatment of Head and Neck Cancers, please visit the following websites:
RT Answers
https://www.rtanswers.org/Cancer-Types/Head-And-Neck-Cancers
American Cancer Society
Cancer.Net
https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/head-and-neck-cancer
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