How long is throat radiotherapy recovery?
Most symptoms will start to get better about 2 to 4 weeks after you finish treatment. Radiation therapy can also cause permanent tissue scarring.
How is radiotherapy given for throat cancer?
Throat Cancer Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy for throat cancer involves sending high-energy beams of particles through the skin toward the tumor. When the beams reach the tumor, they can destroy cancer cells by damaging their DNA.
What are the worst side effects of radiotherapy?
Ask your care team about the side effects you might get.
- Sore skin. In some people, radiotherapy can make the skin sore and red (similar to sunburn), darker than normal or dry and itchy.
- Tiredness.
- Hair loss.
- Feeling sick.
- Problems eating and drinking.
- Diarrhoea.
- Stiff joints and muscles.
- Sex and fertility issues.
How long do you have radiotherapy for throat cancer?
You usually have treatment daily, from Monday to Friday for about 4 to 6 weeks. This is about 20 to 30 separate treatments (fractions).
What can I expect from throat radiation?
After treatment, your mouth or throat may become dry and sore, and your voice may become hoarse. Radiation therapy can cause your salivary glands to make less saliva, which can contribute to a dry mouth. These effects will gradually get better after treatment finishes, but it may take several weeks or even months.
Is there a cure for laryngeal cancer?
When treating laryngeal cancer, sometimes several techniques will be combined in order to achieve the best results. Often times, in later stages, chemotherapy will be combined with radiation therapy, and the cancer may be cured. If laryngeal cancer is at an advanced stage, a cure may be impossible.
What every patient should know about laryngeal cancer?
Signs and symptoms of laryngeal cancer include a sore throat and ear pain. These and other signs and symptoms may be caused by laryngeal cancer or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following: A sore throat or cough that does not go away. Trouble or pain when swallowing.
How is radiation therapy used to treat cancer?
Radiotherapy , also called radiation therapy, is used alone to treat cancer or with other treatment options such as chemotherapy and surgery. It may also be used to shrink the tumour before surgery.
How to ease dry mouth symptoms during radiation therapy?
Stay well hydrated by carrying water with you at all times,sipping frequently.