Treatment Options for Laryngeal Cancer

Booklet: What You Need to Know about Laryngeal Cancer

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Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

During radiation therapy, healing after dental treatment may be a problem. That's why doctors want their patients to begin treatment with their teeth and gums as healthy as possible. They often recommend that patients have a complete dental exam and get any needed dental work done before the radiation therapy begins. It's also important to continue to see the dentist regularly because the mouth may be sensitive and easily irritated during cancer therapy.

In many cases, the mouth is tender during treatment, and some patients may get mouth sores. The doctor may suggest a special rinse to numb the mouth and reduce the discomfort.

Radiation to the larynx causes changes in the saliva and may reduce the amount of saliva. Because saliva normally protects the teeth, tooth decay can be a problem after treatment. Good mouth care can help keep the teeth and gums healthy and can make the patient feel more comfortable. Patients should do their best to keep their teeth clean. If it's hard to floss or brush the teeth in the usual way, patients can use gauze, a soft toothbrush, or a special toothbrush that has a spongy tip instead of bristles. A mouthwash made with diluted peroxide, salt water, and baking soda can keep the mouth fresh and help protect the teeth from decay. It may also be helpful to use a fluoride toothpaste and/or a fluoride rinse to reduce the risk of cavities. The dentist may suggest a special fluoride program to keep the mouth healthy.

If reduced saliva makes the mouth uncomfortably dry, drinking plenty of liquids is helpful. Some patients use a special spray (artificial saliva) to relieve the dryness.

Patients who have radiation therapy instead of surgery do not have a stoma. They breathe and talk in the usual way, although the treatment can change the way their voice sounds. Also, their voice may be weak at the end of the day, and it is not unusual for the voice to be affected by changes in the weather. Voice changes and the feeling of a lump in the throat may come from swelling in the larynx caused by the radiation. The treatment can also cause a sore throat. The doctor may suggest medicine to reduce swelling or relieve pain.

During radiation therapy, patients may become very tired, especially in the later weeks. Resting is important, but doctors usually advise their patients to try to stay as active as they can. It's also common for the skin in the treated area to become red or dry. The skin should be exposed to the air but protected from the sun, and patients should avoid wearing clothes that rub the area. During radiation therapy, hair usually does not grow in the treated area; if it does, men should not shave. Good skin care is important at this time. Patients will be shown how to keep the area clean, and they should not put anything on the skin before their radiation treatments. Also, they should not use any lotion or cream at other times without the doctor's advice.

Some patients complain that radiation therapy makes their tongue sensitive. They may lose their sense of taste or smell or may have a bitter taste in their mouth. Drinking plenty of liquids may lessen the bitter taste. Often, the doctor or nurse can suggest other ways to ease these problems. And it helps to keep in mind that, although the side effects of radiation therapy may not go away completely, most of them gradually become less troublesome and patients feel better when the treatment is over.

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