Oral cavity cancer treatment with radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is often used after surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells in the mouth. However, in some cases, doctors consider that radiation can destroy the tumor and preserve the functions of chewing, swallowing, and speech. Therefore, they may recommend radiation treatment instead of surgery or combine it with chemo or targeted drugs. Preparation begins with a consultation with a radiotherapist and planning:Doctors determine the radiation area, single and total doses, and assess the risk of side effects. Using the CT, a particular computer program creates a 3D image of the oral cavity, tumors, and surrounding structures, such as the jaw bone, masticatory muscles, and salivary glands. A flexible mesh mask is made for the patient to keep the head and neck in the same position during the session. The duration and schedule of sessions are individual for each patient. Usually, the course lasts several weeks and is carried out for five consecutive days. Then two days break to recover. During the session, the patient should breathe evenly and calmly. Irradiation is painless. The equipment can create a specific noise, which is normal and should not scare you. Radiotherapy is generally well tolerated, and patients recover quickly.