Head and Neck Radiotherapy
Head and neck radiotherapy is a treatment that uses radiation to treat cancer in the head and neck areas. This includes places like the mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), nose, sinuses, and lymph nodes in the neck. The goal is to kill or damage the cancer cells while keeping the healthy parts around the cancer safe.
Here’s what a patient can expect during the process:
Meeting your Doctor
Before treatment starts, you’ll have a chat with your doctor. They will explain the treatment, possible side effects, and ask you to sign a consent form. This meeting can be in person or over the phone.
Mould room appointment
You will need to wear a mask for your treatment, so your first appointment will be with the Mould Room team. They will make a special mask to keep your head and shoulders still during radiotherapy. This helps make sure the treatment is accurate. If you have any worries about the mask, please talk to your doctor.
The resources below explain the procedure in more detail which you may find helpful.
Planning scan
A few weeks before treatment starts, you will have a CT planning scan. Some patients may also have an MRI planning scan. These scans help the consultant and the Planning team to outline the area that needs to be treated.
During these planning scans, you will be laid down in the treatment position, with the mask on. A small tattoo dot may be placed on the skin below the treatment area. This marking, together with the marks on the mask, helps the radiographers to set you up to the same spot every day.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer is usually given 5 days a week (Monday to Friday). The number of treatments will depend on the doctor’s recommendation. The therapeutic radiographers will accurately position you on the treatment couch. This will be the same position which you laid down in for your planning CT scan.
The linear accelerator will rotate around you and deliver treatment from different angles. You won’t feel the radiation, but you might hear some noises as the machine operates. Each session typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes. However, the actual radiation exposure lasts only a few minutes. You’ll need to stay still during the treatment, but you won’t feel pain or discomfort during the process.
Side Effects
Even though radiation targets the tumour, it can also affect healthy tissue nearby. Side effects usually start after a few treatments and can be different depending on the area being treated.
Common side effects of head & neck radiotherapy include:
- Tiredness (Fatigue): Tiredness is one of the most common side effects, and it tends to build up over time during treatment.
- Skin Changes: The skin in the treated area may become red, dry, or irritated, like sunburn. You might also experience itching or peeling. See the link below advising you on how to look after your skin during and after radiotherapy treatment.
- Sore Throat and Difficulty Swallowing: Radiotherapy can make your throat sore, which might make swallowing or eating uncomfortable. If you are struggling to eat, you may need to see a dietitian in our department. Similarly, a speech and language therapist may need to assess the safety of your swallowing function. For more information, please refer to the leaflets below.
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): The radiation can affect the salivary glands and cause a dry mouth.
- Changes in Taste: Food may taste different during or after treatment.
- Hoarseness or Loss of Voice: If the treatment area involves the larynx (voice box), you may experience changes to your voice.
- Mouth Sores: These can develop. You might need to adjust your diet to softer foods. It is important to tell your radiotherapist if you are struggling to eat or drink.
- Swelling in the Neck: Lymph nodes in the neck can become swollen or tender during treatment.
Please Note
Most side effects improve 10-14 days after treatment ends. Your healthcare team will be there to manage any side effects and provide support during and after your treatment.
Please inform your radiotherapist if you are experiencing any side effects.