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Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers which develop in the mouth, nose, throat, or other areas of the head and neck. These cancers are challenging to treat, as they have impact on important functions such as speaking, eating, and breathing. Surgery and Radiation therapy is a most commonly used treatment option for head and neck cancers and has been shown in curing the disease and improving the patient outcomes. Here we explore advanced radiation techniques used in the treatment of head and neck malignancies and their potential benefits and side effects.
There are several advanced radiation techniques that can be used to treat head and neck cancers, including:
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): IMRT is a type of external beam radiation therapy that uses computer-controlled x-rays to deliver precise doses of radiation to the cancerous tissue. This type of therapy minimizes the amount of radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue, reducing the risk of side effects.
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): IGRT is a type of external beam radiation therapy that uses imaging technology (X Ray and CT Scan) to monitor the position of the cancerous tissue and adjust the radiation beam accordingly. This type of therapy helps to ensure that the radiation is delivered precisely to the moving target, reducing the risk of side effects. In carcinoma left side breast, IGRT reduces the dose to heart resulted in reducing the long term cardiac complications.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT/ SRS): SBRT is a type of external beam radiation therapy that uses very high dose of radiation delivered in one fraction or few fractions over a short period. This type of therapy is especially useful for small tumors or tumors that are not accessible by surgery.
Precise Doses of Radiation: Advanced radiation techniques such as IMRT and IGRT allow for precise delivery of radiation to the cancerous tissue, reducing the risk of long term side effects.
Fewer Treatments Required: Advanced radiation techniques such as SBRT/SRS allow for the delivery of high doses of radiation in a single or few treatments over a short period, reducing the total time required for treatment.
Reduced Risk of Side Effects: Advanced radiation techniques minimize the amount of radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue, reducing the risk of side effects such as dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and loss of taste .
Like all treatments, advanced radiation techniques for head and neck cancers also have potential side effects, including:
Fatigue: Radiation therapy can cause fatigue during treatment.
Skin Irritation: The skin in the treatment area can become red, dry, and itchy, and may develop a sunburn-like appearance.
Dry Mouth: Radiation therapy can cause dry mouth, which can be partially relieved with medication or by using a saliva substitute.
Difficult Swallowing: Radiation therapy can cause difficult swallowing, especially for solid food.
It is important to talk to your doctor about the potential side effects and benefit of advanced radiation techniques and how to manage them.
Advanced radiation techniques play a significant role in the treatment of head and neck cancers and can be used in combination with other treatments to enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment. These techniques allow for precise delivery of radiation to the cancerous tissue, reducing the risk of side effects and improving patient outcomes.
In conclusion, it’s essential to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor about the benefits and risks of advanced radiation techniques and to make an informed decision about the best treatment plan for you with the right care and support.