What to expect from radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer

A planning visit maps the nasopharynx, skull base, and neck with imaging. A mask or other support may help keep your head in the same position for each session. The treatment itself is usually brief and you do not feel the radiation, although the appointment includes positioning and checks.

As sessions continue, the lining of the mouth and throat may become sore or dry. Taste changes, thicker saliva, tiredness, nasal blockage, and skin irritation in the treated field can develop gradually. Some people also notice ear pressure or hearing changes, so report these early.

Attend planning and review appointments, keep the treatment area clean as advised, and use only products approved by your radiotherapy team on treated skin. Sip fluids often, choose soft moist foods, and ask about a dietitian if chewing or swallowing becomes difficult.

Good mouth care matters: use the recommended toothbrush and rinses, avoid tobacco, and tell the team about dental pain. Rest between activities, but gentle movement can help you manage fatigue. Take prescribed pain relief or saliva treatments according to instructions.

Contact your oncology team promptly if throat pain prevents drinking, swallowing suddenly worsens, vomiting stops you keeping fluids down, or mouth sores make medication difficult. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or neck, confusion, or signs of severe dehydration such as very little urine and marked dizziness.

Ask which areas will be treated, whether chemotherapy is planned, how to protect your teeth and salivary glands, what to do about hearing or nasal symptoms, and who to call outside clinic hours. Ask when review visits and hearing, dental, or swallowing checks will take place.