Dry Mouth Treatments
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is the killing of cancer cell DNA so that cancer cells can no longer replicate creating more cancer. Radiation therapy of head and neck cancer can be administered after surgery, instead of surgery, or in combination with chemotherapy. Radiation therapy can be administered externally or internally.
External Radiation Therapy Procedure
A radiation specialist places you on a radiation table bed to create and fit your radiation mask. The radiation mask is used to hold your head perfectly still and to mark targets. The mask is made from plastic. It first looks like a large tennis racket which is then heated up then stretched onto and over your head to form an impression of your face and head. You should close your eyes when this is done.
After the mask is created the mask is bolted down to the radiation table bed. Again, you should keep your eyes closed and remain still. The radiation therapy specialist then shuts off the lights and leaves the room for the control room. Lasers are used to pinpoint the areas to be radiated on your head radiation mask. The radiation therapy specialist will then retrun to the room, turn the lights on and may place masking tape on your mask and make additional markings with a felt tip pen. Once the radiation theapy specialist has completed creating the target mask, it is removed, and you will leave. This entire process may take 45 minutes.
The radiation therapy technicians will take you back into the xray room at your next visit. You will be asked to wear a gown. If you wear an obturator you will remove it. You may possibly be given a wax tongue block. This helps protect the tongue from the radiation. Once again you will lay down on a radiation table bed. The technicians will retrieve your mask and bolt your head down onto the radiation table bed. Be sure your eyes are closed. The two technicians will align you up with the xray machine then turn off the lights and leave the room to go to the control room. They will then begin to administer the prescribed radiation therapy.
After your session the technicians will return and remove the mask and help you off the radiation table bed. The entire process will take 15 to 20 minutes. You will return each day for the next 30 or so days for radiation therapy.
In approximately the 3rd week you will succumb to the radiation therapy. You will become weak, tired, and will not be able to eat solid foods. You should plan on having a feeding tube installed prior to the 3rd week of radiation therapy.