Side Effects of Radiation Therapy for Oral Cancer

Radiation therapy affects normal cells as well as cancer cells. It is likely that you will have some side effects from this treatment.¹ The side effects depend on the dose of radiation you get and the location of your cancer.¹

Some side effects that are common with radiation therapy include:^1,2

• Fatigue

• Mouth sores, which can be painful

• Tooth decay

• Difficulty eating

• Difficulty swallowing

• Dry mouth or thick saliva

• Skin irritation or skin changes

• Sore throat or mouth

• Sore or bleeding gums

• Swelling or bloating

• Risk for infection

• Delayed healing after dental care

• Jaw stiffness

• Denture problems

• Changes in taste and smell

• Changes in voice

• Changes in the thyroid

Although some of the side effects can be unpleasant, there are ways to control or treat them. You can ask your doctor for suggestions. Most side effects usually go away slowly over a number of weeks after you stop getting treatment.¹

¹ “What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer: Side Effects of Cancer Treatment.” National Cancer Institute. www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/oral/page8#b Accessed 2010.

² “Oral Complcations of Cancer Treatment: What the Oncology Team Can Do.” June 14, 2010 http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/topics/cancertreatment/oralcomplicationscanceroncology.htm Accessed 2010