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Radiation Therapy for Oral Cancer: What to Expect

Radiation therapy is one way to treat oral cancer. The goal of radiation is to kill cancer cells. It works by directing strong rays at the tumor. You may be treated with radiation if:1,2

  • Your oral cancer is small.

  • Your doctor wants to shrink the tumor or kill cancer cells before surgery.

  • Your doctor thinks you need radiation after surgery to be sure all the cancer cells are killed and to stop the cancer from coming back.

  • You cannot have surgery.

Treatment Plan

Before you start radiation therapy, your doctor will come up with a treatment plan. The plan outlines what kind of radiation you’ll have and how long the treatment will last. To help decide on your treatment, your doctor may do biopsies or imaging tests.3 The imaging tests may include X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. You may have the same tests after treatment to see how well the radiation worked.3

Types of Radiation Therapy

There are two main types of radiation. The most common is external radiation, where a machine focuses a beam of radiation on the spot where the tumor is located. This is done in a doctor’s office or outpatient clinic several times a week for a number of weeks.2 A second type of radiation is known as internal radiation. It works by implanting small pellets or seeds of radioactive material into and around the tumor. For internal radiation, you need to stay in the hospital for a few days. The radioactive material is removed before you go home.2

1 “What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer: Treatment.” National Cancer Institute. www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/oral/page9 Accessed 2008.

2 “Detailed Guide: Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer. Radiation Therapy.” American Cancer Society, September 28, 2007. www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_4X_Radiation_Therapy_60.asp?rnav=cri Accessed 2008.

3 “Detailed Guide: Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer. How Are Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancers Diagnosed?” American Cancer Society, September 28, 2007. www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3X_How_is_oral_cavity_and_oropharyngeal_cancer_diagnosed_60.asp Accessed 2008.

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Online Medical Reviewer: Alteri, Rick, MD
Date Last Reviewed: 10/15/2008
Date Last Modified: 10/15/2008
The views represented by this article are that of the author and not of Delta Dental. This article is provided for information only. Please consult with a licensed dentist to discuss the best way for you to improve or maintain your oral health.

In all cases, specific group contract provisions, benefits, limitations and exclusions take precedence over oral health recommendations given here. We recommend that you contact your dental benefits carrier to determine the specific limitations and exclusions for your group.