Radiation therapy is a common treatment for mouth cancer. It uses high-energy rays or particles to target and destroy cancer cells by damaging their genetic material, making it impossible for them to grow and multiply. This precise and localized approach aims to eliminate cancer while preserving the function and appearance of the mouth whenever possible.
Typical Radiation Treatment Regimens
The number of radiation treatments for mouth cancer typically varies based on the specific regimen prescribed. Standard fractionation, the most common approach, usually involves daily treatments five days a week over several weeks. A typical course might range from 5 to 7 weeks, resulting in approximately 25 to 35 individual sessions. This schedule allows healthy cells to recover between treatments while cumulatively damaging cancer cells.
Other approaches exist, such as hypofractionation, which delivers fewer treatments with larger doses per session over a shorter period (e.g., 15 fractions over three weeks for palliative care). Conversely, hyperfractionation involves smaller doses given more than once a day, potentially reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. While the number of sessions differs, the total radiation dose delivered to the tumor is carefully calculated to maximize effectiveness.
Factors Influencing Treatment Plans
The specific radiation treatment plan for mouth cancer is highly individualized, with several factors determining the number and type of sessions. The cancer’s stage and size play a significant role; larger or more advanced tumors may require more intensive or prolonged treatment. Early-stage oral cancers might be treated with radiation alone, while more advanced stages often involve combined therapies. The precise location and type of oral cancer also influence the plan.
A patient’s overall health, age, and ability to tolerate treatment are carefully considered, as these can affect the feasibility of certain regimens and side effect management. Treatment goals, whether curative or palliative, also shape the intensity and duration of therapy. If radiation is combined with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy (chemoradiation), the overall schedule and number of radiation treatments are adjusted accordingly.
The Radiation Therapy Process
Before starting radiation therapy, patients undergo a detailed planning session, often involving CT scans and custom molds or masks. These tools ensure radiation beams are precisely targeted to the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy surrounding tissues. This planning phase is essential for accurate treatment delivery.
During daily radiation sessions, patients lie still on a treatment table, often secured by the custom mask for consistent positioning. The machine then moves around the patient, delivering radiation from various angles. Each session is typically brief, lasting only 10 to 15 minutes, though the overall time in the room, including setup, can be 30-45 minutes. Patients generally do not feel pain during the actual treatment.
Throughout treatment, patients may experience acute side effects, which are temporary reactions to the radiation. Common effects specific to mouth cancer radiation include a sore mouth (mucositis), dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, changes in taste, skin reactions in the treated area, and fatigue. These effects are closely monitored and managed by the care team to maintain comfort.
Post-Treatment Care and Follow-Up
Following radiation treatments, the body begins a recovery period, though some acute side effects may linger or intensify before gradually improving. Lingering or long-term side effects can include persistent dry mouth due to salivary gland damage, changes in taste perception, and potential dental issues. Patients might also experience jaw stiffness (trismus) or tissue hardening (fibrosis) in the treated area. In rare cases, jawbone damage (osteoradionecrosis) can occur months or years later.
Managing these effects involves supportive care, such as diligent oral hygiene practices, specific dental care, and therapies to alleviate dry mouth and improve jaw mobility. Regular follow-up appointments with the oncology team are crucial. These appointments monitor the patient’s recovery, assess for any signs of cancer recurrence, and address any late-developing side effects. Lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining good nutrition and avoiding irritants like tobacco and alcohol, are important for long-term health and recovery.