What to expect from radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

Before treatment, imaging and a planning appointment help the team map the target and protect nearby healthy tissue. You may have a custom mask or support to help you stay in the same position. During each visit, the machine delivers radiation while you remain still; the treatment itself is often brief, although setting up carefully takes longer.

Dry mouth, thicker saliva, mouth soreness, changes in taste, tiredness and skin irritation can appear as treatment continues. Pain or difficulty swallowing may make eating and drinking harder. A dietitian, speech and swallowing specialist or dental team may support you before or during treatment.

Attend dental and nutrition checks if they are arranged. Ask which mouth-care products are suitable, and use gentle oral care as instructed. Keep drinks available and choose soft, moist foods if chewing or swallowing becomes uncomfortable. Avoid smoking and alcohol unless your oncology team says otherwise, because they can irritate treated tissues.

Wash the treated skin gently, avoid rubbing or unapproved creams, and protect it from strong sun. Keep a record of pain, swallowing changes, weight concerns and medicines so the team can adjust support early.

Contact your team promptly if you cannot keep fluids down, swallowing becomes suddenly worse, mouth pain prevents drinking, or you notice signs of dehydration such as very little urine, dizziness or unusual weakness. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, choking, facial swelling or sudden confusion.

Ask which areas will be treated, whether chemotherapy or surgery is part of the plan, how mouth and dental care should be handled, and who to call outside clinic hours. Ask when swallowing or nutrition support should begin and how side effects may affect work, speaking or eating.