RADIATION THERAPY FOR HEAD AND NECK CANCER
Facts to Help Patients Understand Their Treatment

Internal Radiation Therapy

Also called brachytherapy, internal radiation therapy is surgically implanting radioactive material into a tumor or surrounding tissue. For head and neck cancers, brachytherapy is often used in combination with external beam radiation therapy, or may be used alone.

• During low-dose-rate brachytherapy, the radiation oncologist implants thin, hollow, plastic tubes in and around a tumor.
• The tubes are loaded with tiny radioactive seeds that stay in place for one or several days to kill the cancer. The seeds and the tubes are then taken out. In some cases, tiny radioactive seeds are implanted directly into the tumor and remain permanently.
• For high-dose-rate brachytherapy, the doctor implants hollow tubes in and around the tumor site.
• After the tubes are implanted, they are then connected to a special brachytherapy machine with a high activity radioactive source. According to the doctor's specifications, the seed is automatically delivered from the machine and into the tubes, which delivers localized radiation over several minutes to kill the cancer.

Possible Side Effects

Radiation therapy side effects are limited to the area that is receiving treatment.

• Side effects can include fatigue, skin redness, change in taste, sore throat, dry mouth, pain when swallowing and possible hair loss in the treated area.
• Side effects vary by patient. Medications and nutritional supplements may be prescribed to make patients as comfortable as possible.
• If you feel discomfort at any time during your treatment, tell your doctor or nurse. They may alter the treatment or prescribe a drug to help you feel better.

Mouth Care

It is important to take care of your mouth, teeth and gums during radiation.

• Careful brushing of your teeth helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, mouth sores and jaw infections.
• Be sure your dentist knows that you received radiation to the head and neck area.
• Tell your doctor or dentist about any problems you are having.

Learning About Clinical Trials

Current standard radiation therapy treatments are a result of studies called clinical trials completed many years ago. The radiation oncology team is constantly exploring new ways to treat people with head and neck cancer through ongoing clinical trials. For more information, please contact the following organizations:

National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials

Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
www.rtog.org

Helpful Web Sites on Head and Neck Cancer

Oral Cancer Foundation
www.oralcancerfoundation.org

People Living With Cancer
www.plwc.org

Support for People With Oral and Head and Neck Cancer
www.spohnc.org

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