Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer

What is Radiation Therapy for head and neck cancer?

This is a procedure to treat the cancerous cells affecting the tissues of the head and neck by a beam of high-energy radiation. The site of cancer can be in the vocal cords, tongue, nose, mouth, throat or salivary glands, lips, the lining of the nose etc.

How does Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer help?

Radiation therapy is really helpful for patients with early stage cancers. In advanced stages of cancer, it can be given in combination with chemotherapy. The therapy also helps...

How is Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer done?

What are the benefits and risks of Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer procedure?

The therapy effectively kills the cancerous cells. But as any other surgery, it also has a few risks and limitations, which can be minimised with the help of medications.

The advantages of the Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer are:

  • The procedure is painless and is minimally invasive.
  • The procedure is less time-consuming.
  • The therapy shrinks the tumour and often reduces the chances of recurrence.

The risks associated with Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer are:

Common risks and side-effects include pain, difficulty in swallowing, hoarse voice, and change in sense of taste. Common effects of radiation therapy such as skin reaction, bone pain, nausea, weakness, can be experi...

The major limitation of the therapy is the recurrence of the cancerous cells. Sometimes the radiation therapy also damages nearby healthy tissues. The patient is also at risk of tooth decay or tooth damage.

How does Medanta provide care?

Get treated in specialised institutes and departments

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