Head and neck cancer is cancer that occurs in the head or neck area and accounts for approximately 4% of all cancers in the United States. If detected early, it is treatable. However, these treatments, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, can have side effects.
Here are some of the most common side effects of head and neck cancer treatment and ways you can help manage treatment.
Changes in appearance and self-esteem
Surgery to treat head and neck cancer can be life-saving, but it can also cause major changes to the facial area. These changes can range from minor scarring to severe damage.
Whether the changes in appearance are large or small, many people struggle with low self-esteem after receiving treatment for head and neck cancer. As body image worsens, quality of life also worsens.
Organizations like the Head & Neck Cancer Alliance and Support for Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) can help people who struggle with low self-esteem connect with support groups, mental health care providers, and other resources to help them cope.
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy used to treat head and neck cancer can cause damage to the nerves, muscles, bones, and other parts of the body that help with chewing and swallowing. This damage may make eating difficult.
Your health care team can help you overcome damage by adjusting your eating habits. In some cases, you may need a feeding tube to make sure you are getting enough nutrition.
breathing changes
Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can all cause problems such as swelling or scarring that damage the airway. Therefore, treatment for head and neck cancer may affect a person’s ability to breathe.
Depending on the severity of the injury, your health care provider (HCP) may need to create an alternative airway in the front of your neck to help you breathe easily. This is called a tracheostomy.
dental problems
Chemotherapy and radiation treatment for head and neck cancer can damage the salivary glands and cause a condition called xerostomia (xerostomia). Dry mouth is just what it sounds like and has been linked to cavities and other dental problems.
Drinking plenty of plain water, chewing sugar-free gum, and using products to treat dry mouth can help prevent tooth damage. It is a good idea to keep your dentist updated regarding your treatment plan. They can help you deal with dental problems if they arise.
permanent dry mouth
In some cases, damage to the salivary glands from radiation therapy is permanent, as is the dry mouth it may cause.
Fortunately, the condition can be managed with the solutions mentioned above (plenty of water, sugar-free gum, special products for dry mouth). Visiting your dentist regularly helps keep your teeth and gums healthy.
jaw bone damage
Radiation limits the blood supply your bones need to be strong and healthy. Because exposure to the jaw is generally unavoidable during radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, exposure to radiation can cause bone death, a condition called osteoradionecrosis (ORN). This condition most commonly affects the lower jaw, but can also occur in the upper jaw.
One way to treat ORN is to ensure that the teeth and gums are as healthy as possible before administering radiation to limit damage. Treatment options for ORN include surgery to remove dead bone and reconstruct the jaw.
Voice changes and complications when speaking
Surgery and radiation treatment for head and neck cancer can damage the vocal cords and change the way you speak. Your voice may sound different, and speaking may become more difficult.
Your health care team may refer you to a speech-language pathologist, a specialist who can help you figure out how to use your voice or teach you different ways to communicate.
lymphedema
The lymphatic system carries clear fluid (lymph) that is filtered by small, kidney-shaped clumps of tissue called lymph nodes. Head and neck cancer treatment can damage the lymphatic system, causing swelling when lymph fluid collects under the skin.
This swelling is called lymphedema and is especially common in patients with head and neck cancer because there are too many lymph nodes in the head and neck. Lymphedema is often treated with complete decongestant therapy (CDT), which helps lymph flow and be reabsorbed into the body, reducing swelling.
chronic pain
Head and neck cancer can be very painful, and so can its treatment. Living with pain can affect the effectiveness of your treatment and your overall quality of life, so your healthcare team will work with you to create a customized pain management plan.
This plan may include painkillers as well as drug-free treatments such as physical therapy and acupuncture. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and other mental health supports may also help relieve pain associated with head and neck cancer.
help is out there
It is completely understandable to experience difficult emotions due to the side effects of treatment. If you are having trouble coping, talk to your HCP. Connect with experts, support groups, and other resources to help you resolve your issues.
This training material was created with support from:m Merck.
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