How radiation therapy for treating head and neck cancer is performed?
Radiation therapy involves application of controlled X-ray beams to eliminate cancerous cells to stop their multiplication and further spread. The targeted beams are applied in such a way that there is minimal damage to the healthy cells.
For head and neck cancer, radiotherapy is given externally.
Radiation therapy can be combined with chemotherapy or surgery for better results.
Prior to surgery, radiotherapy is used to reduce the size of large tumors for easy removal.
Post surgical application of radiation is aimed at eliminating any left mass of cancer cells and possible recurrence of the disease. It is performed after the surgical wounds are healed and patient recovers. Normally, this therapy is combined with chemotherapy.
Types of radiation therapy for treating head and neck cancer
External beam radiation therapy is common modality used to cure pharyngeal, nasal, laryngeal, salivary gland, paranasal sinus and oral cancers. This is a method for delivering a beam of high-energy X-rays or proton beams to the location of the tumor. The radiation beam is generated outside the patient and is targeted at the tumor site.
This therapy can be administered through various techniques including Tomotherapy, VMAT (volumetric modulated arc therapy), and IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy). These techniques are used to deliver high precision radiation beams to the affected part specifically, so as to reduce the side effects and duration of therapy.
How radiation therapy works against head and neck cancer?
Before starting your radiation session, the radiation team will get your imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans to plan your treatment. Radiation therapy is similar to getting an X-ray, but the radiation is much stronger. The treatment itself is painless. Each treatment lasts only a few minutes, although the setup time may take a bit longer.
Risks of radiation therapy
Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer may damage blood vessels and lower jaw that could lead to further infection. This issue is known as ORN (osteoradionecrosis). To avoid this, patients need to have proper dental work prior to the surgery.
The radiation therapy side effects usually go away within several weeks after the treatment is finished.
How much radiation therapy for head and neck cancer costs?
The cost of radiation therapy may vary as it depends on the site and stage of cancer and the drugs used to treat it.
What to expect before, during, and after radiation therapy?
Before radiotherapy begins, your doctor may explain you about some long-term effects of the therapy that includes any risks to your fertility.
You may have markings made on your skin to help the radiographers position you accurately for the treatment.
Also, the patient is fitted with immobilization mask to keep the body still and target the radiation at site precisely.
Radiation therapy side effects vary on the basis of number of cycles, type of radiotherapy and if its a combined therapy, affected area, etc.
Generally, side effects peak during the last week and begin to alleviate after 2-3 weeks of the treatment. Some common side effects may include dry mouth with thick saliva, weight loss, mouth sores, breathing issues, skin rashes, and fatigue.
The long-term effects can be hair loss, change in taste, fatigue, weakness, hoarseness, difficulty in speech and swallowing, weight and appetite loss, dental problems, etc.
After your radiotherapy has finished, your oncologist or radiographer will explain you about your follow-up visits.
Special diet needs before and after radiation therapy
Radiation therapy can change how a patient’s body accepts certain foods and uses nutrients. Each patient reacts differently to the treatment, so adjust your diet accordingly. This may include switching to a bland diet or adding lots of flavorful foods to your meals. Listen to your body and adjust your diet accordingly.
Also, you may store healthy meals in your refrigerator before you begin the therapy. This will make it easy to eat well even if you are not feeling your best.
Have nutrient-dense meals as it will help you recover faster from side effects of radiation therapy.
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables including dark-green, red, and orange vegetables, beans and peas.
Make fruits and vegetables the focal point of every meal. If chewing or swallowing is a problem, try eating soft steamed or cooked vegetables and canned fruit.
Milk and milk products, such as cheese and yogurt, provide calcium, potassium, and other nutrients.Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables including dark-green, red, and orange vegetables, beans and peas.
Have whole grains to increase your protein intake. Increase lean proteins to your diet.
During radiation therapy, you may reduce sodium (salt), spicy foods, added sugars, solid (saturated) fats, and an excess of alcohol.
Drink water or other liquids frequently.
How much radiation therapy for head and neck cancer costs?
Treatment cost of radiation therapy depends on factors such as the type and dose of drugs and the number of chemo cycles planned.
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