When is radiotherapy recommended for head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer includes tumours in areas such as the mouth, throat, voice box, nose, or nearby structures. The treatment plan depends on the exact site, tissue type, size and spread, lymph nodes, previous treatment, and how swallowing, speech, breathing, and appearance may be affected. Radiotherapy can target a tumour and selected lymph-node regions. It may be chosen to avoid or reduce the need for surgery, or used after surgery when the team wants to treat the original tumour bed or lymph-node areas. Some plans combine radiation with medicines. A specialist team balances cancer control with protection of saliva glands, teeth, jaw, nerves, and other nearby organs.

Before planning, ask for a dental assessment when the treatment area includes the mouth or jaw. Tell the team about dentures, dental problems, swallowing difficulty, weight change, smoking, alcohol use, and medicines. A dietitian or speech and swallowing specialist may help before treatment begins. The radiation team may create an individual mask to keep the head still and use imaging to shape the dose. Discuss mouth care, skin care, nutrition, pain relief, and whether work or travel plans need adjustment. Report difficulty drinking early so dehydration and weight loss can be addressed.

Contact the treatment team promptly if swallowing becomes difficult enough that fluids are hard to take, if choking or coughing occurs with drinks, or if mouth sores, pain, fever, or vomiting prevent eating and drinking. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, rapidly increasing swelling of the mouth or neck, inability to handle saliva, or sudden confusion. These symptoms can threaten the airway or hydration and need immediate assessment.

Ask: Is radiotherapy replacing surgery, following surgery, or being combined with medicine? Which tumour and lymph-node areas will be treated? How might the plan affect swallowing, saliva, speech, teeth, or skin? Do I need dental care first? Who should I call if drinking or breathing becomes difficult?