Phone: 253-200-3166
Fax: 253-200-3167
Radiation Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer
At Sound Cancer Care, our team of expert, board-certified radiation oncologists use advanced technology to administer radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. Radiation therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat these types of cancers, and our radiation oncologists are dedicated to administering that treatment with care and compassion.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
IMRT is a highly precise and effective radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, offering improved tumor targeting while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This advanced technique uses computer-controlled linear accelerators to deliver radiation beams with varying intensities, shaping the dose distribution to conform closely to the tumor.
IMRT is particularly beneficial for tumors in complex and sensitive areas such as the throat, larynx, salivary glands, and nasopharynx, where preserving critical structures like the spinal cord, salivary glands, and optic nerves is essential. By reducing radiation exposure to these healthy tissues, IMRT helps decrease side effects such as dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and damage to taste and speech functions.
Types of Radiation Treatments for Head and Neck Cancer
For head and neck cancers, which can include throat cancer, mouth cancer, laryngeal cancer, oropharynx (tongue and tonsil), and cancer in the nasal cavity, nasopharynx and sinuses, precision is particularly important. These areas of the head and neck contain many critical and delicate tissues that are important to preserve.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
SBRT is an advanced and precise radiation treatment option for head and neck cancer, particularly for recurrent or inoperable tumors. SBRT delivers high doses of radiation in a limited number of sessions, typically one to five, using highly focused beams that conform closely to the tumor’s shape while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
SBRT is often used in cases where conventional radiation therapy is not feasible. The treatment's shorter duration and high-dose delivery can improve tumor control while reducing overall treatment burden.
What to Expect with Radiation Treatment
After being diagnosed with head and neck cancer, the first step is to pinpoint the exact size and location of the tumor. We use advanced imaging technology to create a detailed map of the tumor and surrounding areas so we can deliver radiation treatments accurately. Other imaging or procedures such as a scope of the head and neck may aid in targeting the tumor. Your radiation oncologist will also determine how many treatments are needed and if other treatments in addition to the radiation (such as chemotherapy or surgery) may also be indicated. Typically, radiation therapy for head and neck cancers is given five days a week for several weeks, but some cases are treated in as few as five treatments.
Treatment sessions usually last between 15-30 minutes while the patient lies still on a treatment table. This process is painless and non-invasive, and we strive to make our patients completely comfortable. Some patients may feel so relaxed they end up taking a quick nap.
Side effects from head and neck cancer treatment can include hair loss, loss of appetite, skin irritation, dry mouth, soreness of the mouth or throat, fatigue, and others. Patients may not experience side effects until after a couple of weeks of receiving treatment. The majority of side effects are temporary and cease after treatment is completed. Your radiation oncologist can answer any questions you may have about possible side effects and provide tips on how to manage them.