Throat Cancer Radiation Treatment

Throat cancer is typified by the unrestrained multiplication and growth of the cells lining the throat along with the larynx (voice box). However, in a majority of the patients the malignant cells spread to other portions of the mouth as well, including the nasal pipe (nasopharynx) and the esophagus. Due to the cancerous development, patients often experience pain and discomfort while speaking and even while eating. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 25,000 new cases of throat cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S., nearly 6,000 of which succumb to the condition. Despite the fact that there is no complete cure for throat cancer, numerous treatment methods--such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery--are available to help control the metastasis of the cancer cells.

Types of Radiation Therapy

• There are two common forms of radiation therapy for throat cancer patients: external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy (internal therapy). EBRT involves irradiating the cancer cells with high-energy beams such as X-rays using an external source of light, in order to destroy the malignant cells and prevent their further spreading and proliferation.
  Brachytherapy, also known as internal radiation therapy, involves placing radioactive seeds near the cancer cells of the throat that help in killing the aggressive cancer cells, thus averting their subsequent multiplication and metastasis.

Time Frame

• The time frame for radiation therapy varies, depending upon the severity and stage of the cancer. In most cases it is administered four to five times a week for nearly three to four months.

Benefits

• Radiation therapy is especially advantageous for elderly patients suffering from throat cancer or those who cannot undergo surgical removal of the cancerous tumors due to heart ailments and other medical disorders, as a minimum amount of pain is experienced in this treatment method.

Side Effects

• Patients undergoing radiation therapy often experience side effects such as extreme weight reduction, loss of hair, appetite loss, fatigue, tiredness, and skin infections and rashes.

Precaution and Warnings

• While undergoing radiotherapy treatment for throat cancer, patients are commonly advised to avoid exposure to the sun and environmental toxins and pollutants. Cessation of smoking and minimizing alcohol consumption are also advisable precautionary steps to take while getting treated for throat cancer.