What to expect from radiotherapy for salivary gland cancer

Planning scans show the gland area and nearby structures. A moulded mask may help keep your head and neck still while each beam is delivered. Treatment does not make you radioactive when radiation comes from an external machine.

As visits continue, the mouth or throat may feel dry, sore or sensitive, and food may taste different. Skin in the treated area can become red or tender. Thick saliva, difficulty swallowing, tiredness and reduced saliva may affect eating and dental health. Some changes settle gradually; others require longer-term review.

Arrange a dental review if your oncology team recommends one, and follow the prescribed mouth-care routine. Sip fluids as advised, choose soft or moist foods when swallowing is sore, and ask for a dietitian or speech-and-swallow assessment if meals become difficult. Use only approved creams on treated skin, avoid smoking, and report mouth ulcers or dental pain early.

Call your team promptly if you cannot swallow fluids or medicines, cough or choke repeatedly while eating, develop dehydration symptoms, have rapidly worsening mouth pain, fever, or a new dental problem. Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty, swelling that rapidly increases, confusion or collapse.

Ask which salivary glands and nearby tissues are included in the plan, how to protect your teeth, and whether saliva substitutes or pain relief are appropriate. Ask who can assess swallowing, what foods may be easier, and how long mouth and saliva follow-up will continue.