Radiation is used to kill cancerous cells
In addition to surgery, radiation is sometimes used to target a specific head or
neck tumor.
Radiation kills cancer with high-energy rays such as X-rays. There are
2 main types of radiation therapy—external beam radiation, and brachytherapy.
With external beam radiation, radiation is focused on the area of the body affected
by cancer. Treatment is painless and continues for about 6 weeks. But
radiation therapy can have cumulative effects which can be uncomfortable, such as
causing the skin over the targeted area to become red and sore.
With brachytherapy, thin tubes, sometimes filled with radioactive pellets called
"seeds," are placed in the tissue next to the tumor, killing it.
Both types of radiation therapy may cause unwanted effects.
People who receive radiation to the head or neck may start to feel redness, irritation,
and sores in the mouth, as well as a dry mouth or thickened saliva. They may also
have difficulty swallowing, a stiff jaw, or problems opening their mouth wide. Their
sense of taste may change, and they may sometimes feel nausea. Earaches are also
possible.
Other problems that may occur are complete loss of taste or a decreased appetite,
both of which can affect how well someone is eating.
In addition, people being treated for head and neck cancer are going to be more
thirsty. Before treatment, they may want to consider always keeping
a thermos of water around.
Radiation to treat head and neck cancer may require wearing a mask. This mask keeps
your head in place during radiation.
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