Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust: Radiotherapy for head and neck cancers

This page is about 'Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust: Radiotherapy for head and neck cancers'

You may also find this page useful: Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis

This page is part of the following topics:

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust: Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancers

Introduction to Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust provides a comprehensive range of services for patients with head and neck cancers. These cancers can affect areas such as the mouth, throat, and nasal cavities. Treatment plans are tailored individually, with radiotherapy being a common and effective option. Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells, aiming to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Radiotherapy Process

Radiotherapy for head and neck cancers at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust involves several steps: 1. **Initial Consultation**: Patients meet with oncologists to discuss their diagnosis and treatment options. The benefits and potential side effects of radiotherapy are thoroughly explained. 2. **Planning Phase**: A CT scan is performed to help devise a precise treatment plan. Advanced software is used to map out the exact areas needing radiation. 3. **Treatment Sessions**: Radiotherapy treatment is generally administered over several weeks. Each session lasts only a few minutes, but it’s critical for patients to attend all sessions for the best outcome.

Side Effects and Supportive Care

While radiotherapy is effective, it may cause side effects such as mouth sores, dry mouth, and fatigue. The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust offers supportive care to manage these side effects, including: - **Nutritional Support**: Dietitians provide advice to help patients maintain nutrition during treatment. - **Speech and Language Therapy**: Therapists assist with preserving speech and swallowing functions. - **Psychological Support**: Counselling is available to help patients cope with emotional challenges.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

After radiotherapy completion, patients undergo regular follow-up appointments. These visits are crucial for monitoring recovery and detecting any recurrence of cancer early. The medical team also assesses and manages any long-term side effects of the treatment.

Conclusion

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is dedicated to delivering high-quality care for patients with head and neck cancers. Radiotherapy is a critical component of the multidisciplinary approach to treatment, aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes with minimal side effects. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients are encouraged to visit the Trust’s official website or contact the oncology department directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is radiotherapy for head and neck cancers?

Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells in the head and neck area while minimising damage to normal cells.

How is radiotherapy given for head and neck cancers?

Radiotherapy is typically given externally using a machine called a linear accelerator. Treatment is delivered over several weeks, Monday to Friday, with rest at weekends.

Will I need to stay in hospital during radiotherapy?

Most patients receive radiotherapy as an outpatient and do not need to stay in hospital. However, if additional treatments or support are required, a hospital stay might be necessary.

How long does each radiotherapy session last?

Each radiotherapy session generally lasts about 10–15 minutes. The actual time spent receiving the radiation is usually only a few minutes.

What are the side effects of radiotherapy for head and neck cancers?

Common side effects include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, taste changes, and fatigue. Side effects typically develop gradually and may continue after treatment has finished.

Can I eat and drink normally during radiotherapy?

Eating and drinking can become challenging due to side effects such as sore throat and dry mouth. It’s important to maintain a nutritious diet, and a dietitian or speech and language therapist may offer support.

Will radiotherapy make me lose my hair?

Radiotherapy may cause hair loss in the treatment area. For head and neck cancers, this generally means facial hair rather than hair on the scalp.

Can I continue to work during radiotherapy?

Many people continue to work during radiotherapy, but it often depends on the individual and the type of work. Fatigue is a common side effect, so adjustments to your work schedule might be necessary.

Will I be radioactive after my treatment?

No, external radiotherapy will not make you radioactive. It is safe to be around others, including children and pregnant women, after your treatment.

What should I do if I feel unwell during radiotherapy?

Inform your radiotherapy team if you feel unwell. They can provide advice, support, and treatment for any side effects or symptoms you may experience.

How do I care for my skin during radiotherapy?

Keep the skin in the treated area clean and moisturized. Use gentle products recommended by your healthcare team and avoid sun exposure to the treated area.

Will I need other treatments alongside radiotherapy?

Some patients may need additional treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy, depending on the specific type and stage of cancer. Your healthcare team will discuss the best treatment plan for you.

Can I drive during my radiotherapy treatment?

Most patients can drive themselves to and from radiotherapy appointments. However, fatigue or other side effects may impact your ability to drive safely, so it’s important to assess how you feel.

What follow-up care will I need after radiotherapy?

After completing radiotherapy, you will have regular follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and manage any long-term side effects. These appointments help ensure any issues are identified and treated promptly.

How can I manage fatigue during radiotherapy?

To manage fatigue, balance rest with light activities, maintain a healthy diet, and stay hydrated. Gentle exercise can also help improve energy levels. Discuss any persistent fatigue with your healthcare team.

Useful Links

Useful Links : Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust: Radiotherapy for head and neck cancers

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust - Radiotherapy

Information about radiotherapy services provided by the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, including treatments for head and neck cancers.

NHS - Radiotherapy

Overview of radiotherapy, how it works, what to expect during treatment, and its uses specifically for head and neck cancers provided by the NHS.

Macmillan Cancer Support - Head and Neck Cancer

Support and information from Macmillan Cancer Support for patients with head and neck cancers, including radiotherapy treatments and managing side effects.

Cancer Research UK - Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancers

Detailed information from Cancer Research UK about radiotherapy as a treatment option for head and neck cancers, including preparation, procedure, and recovery.

Useful links from: Radiotherapy to the Head and Neck: A Guide for patients and their carers

Useful links from: Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis

We would love to hear from you!

Have you found an error, or do you have a link or some information you would like to share? Please let us know using the form below.

Important Information On Using This Service

Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
To view, click the arrow in centre of video.

Using Subtitles and Closed Captions

Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.

Turn Captions On or Off

Go to the video you'd like to watch.
If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
To turn on Captions, click settings .
To turn off Captions, click settings again.