Radiation therapy is one of the most important treatments for head and neck cancers. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, it may be used alone, with chemotherapy, before or after surgery, or to control symptoms in advanced disease.
Modern techniques such as IMRT, VMAT and IGRT allow radiation to precisely target the cancer while protecting important structures such as the salivary glands, spinal cord, brain and swallowing muscles.
Which Head & Neck Cancers Can Be Treated With Radiation?
Radiation therapy may be used for cancers of the:
- Oral cavity
- Oropharynx
- Nasopharynx
- Hypopharynx
- Larynx
- Salivary glands
- Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses
- Selected lymph nodes in the neck
When Is Radiation Therapy Used?
Radiation may be recommended:
- As the main treatment for selected early or locally advanced cancers
- After surgery when there is a risk of recurrence
- With chemotherapy for locally advanced disease
- When surgery is not possible or would cause significant functional problems
- For recurrent disease in selected patients
- To relieve symptoms such as pain, bleeding or difficulty swallowing
The treatment plan depends on the cancer site, stage, pathology, HPV status where relevant, and overall health.
Radiation After Surgery
Radiation may be recommended after surgery when pathological features indicate a higher risk of recurrence.
These may include:
- Positive or close surgical margins
- Lymph-node involvement
- Extranodal extension
- Advanced local disease
- Other high-risk pathological features
In selected high-risk patients, chemotherapy may be given along with radiation.
Radiation Without Surgery
For some head and neck cancers, radiation can be used as the primary treatment and may allow patients to avoid major surgery.
This is particularly important for cancers where preserving functions such as speech, swallowing and voice is an important treatment goal.
What Is IMRT?
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is an advanced radiation technique that allows different radiation doses to be delivered from multiple directions.
It helps:
- Precisely treat the tumor
- Protect the spinal cord
- Reduce radiation to the salivary glands
- Reduce unnecessary dose to the jaw and other normal tissues
This is particularly important in head and neck cancer because many critical organs are located very close to the tumor.
What Is IGRT?
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) uses imaging before or during treatment to ensure that the patient and treatment area are correctly positioned.
This improves treatment accuracy and helps account for changes during the treatment course.
How Many Radiation Sessions Are Needed?
The number of sessions depends on the cancer type, stage and treatment goal.
Definitive or postoperative radiation is commonly given 5 days a week for several weeks.
The exact dose and number of sessions are individualized for each patient.
What Are the Common Side Effects?
Side effects vary depending on the area being treated.
Common effects include:
- Mouth soreness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dry mouth
- Changes in taste
- Skin redness or irritation
- Thick saliva
- Tiredness
- Reduced appetite
Most acute side effects gradually improve after treatment.
Why Is Dry Mouth Important?
Radiation can affect the salivary glands and reduce saliva production.
Modern IMRT planning attempts to spare the major salivary glands whenever safely possible, which can reduce the severity of long-term dry mouth.
Good oral care, hydration and regular dental assessment are important before and during treatment.
Can Radiation Affect Swallowing?
Yes. Radiation can temporarily cause inflammation and difficulty swallowing.
Swallowing exercises, nutritional support and early involvement of a speech and swallowing specialist can help maintain function during treatment and recovery.
Is Head & Neck Radiation Painful?
No. The radiation treatment itself is painless.
You lie comfortably on the treatment couch while the radiation is delivered. Each session usually takes only a few minutes.
You are not radioactive after external-beam radiation therapy.
Can Head & Neck Cancer Be Cured With Radiation?
Yes. Many head and neck cancers can be treated with curative intent using radiation alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy.
The chances of cure depend on the cancer site, stage, pathology, HPV status where applicable, overall health and response to treatment.
Why Choose Modern Radiation Therapy?
Head and neck cancers are located close to many critical organs involved in speech, swallowing, vision, hearing and salivary function.
Modern techniques such as IMRT, VMAT and IGRT allow precise treatment of the cancer while helping to reduce radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
Book a Consultation
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with head and neck cancer, a radiation oncology consultation can help determine whether radiation therapy is appropriate and which treatment approach is best for you.
