Meridian Park
radiation
oncology center
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS RECEIVING RADIATION THERAPY TO
MOUTH OR THROAT
Approximately two to three weeks after therapy begins you
may begin to feel sore in your mouth and throat. This may make swallowing painful and eating more difficult. Also, your voice may become hoarse.
If you are receiving radiation therapy to the part of your neck that includes your salivary glands, your mouth will become dry. The salivary glands are what normally produce moisture in your mouth. About two to three weeks after the first treatment you will begin to notice the mucous in your mouth becoming thick and sticky. You may not be able to taste foods as well, and the taste of certain foods may even change. During treatment the taste of some or all foods will probably change. It is possible that you may lose most or all of your taste sensation. Taste will slowly return after the completion of radiation.
As described before, it can be difficult to eat when foods
have an “off” taste, your mouth is dry and it is hard to swallow or chew. But, it is necessary to maintain your
nutrition and prevent weight loss. The
nurse and physician will monitor your weight and your ability to eat during the
course of treatment.
The following suggestions can help
minimize these changes.
¨
Avoid over-the-counter forms of
mouthwashes as they typically have alcohol and other chemicals that could be
irritating.
¨
Rinse your mouth frequently using
one teaspoon salt and one teaspoon baking soda dissolved in one quart of room
temperature water.
¨
Avoid breathing strong aromatic
fumes, such as paint and cleaning solutions.
¨
Avoid tobacco, alcoholic
beverages, and highly seasoned foods.
¨
Avoid using perfumes, colognes,
cosmetics and after shave in the treatment area during the treatment period,
and for three weeks after the treatment is over.
¨
When bathing, avoid scrubbing the
treatment area. Use lukewarm water, a
mild soap and blot skin dry.
¨
If skin becomes dry and itches,
ask your physician or nurse for a suggestion on which moisturizer to use.
¨
Keep the treated area out of the
sun. Prevent sunburn during the course
of radiation therapy.
¨
Do not be alarmed by skin changes
such as redness, tanning, dryness or peeling.
These reactions are temporary and will disappear within a few weeks
after the treatment is over. Use only
an electric shaver to shave in the treated area throughout the treatment period
and until any skin reaction that may have occurred has disappeared.
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Meridian Park Radiation
Oncology Center |
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