Common Side Effects After Radiation Therapy for Oral Cancer

Nearly all of the patients who have radiation therapy to the head and neck area develop oral side effects. That’s why it’s important to get the mouth in good condition before cancer treatment begins. Seeing a dentist two weeks before cancer treatment begins gives the mouth time to heal after dental work.¹

The side effects of radiation therapy depend mainly on the amount of radiation given. Some side effects in the mouth go away after radiation treatment ends, while others last a long time. A few side effects, such as dry mouth, may never go away. Here are some that may occur:^1,2

• Dry mouth

• Red and sore mouth

• Trouble swallowing

• Damaged taste buds

• Tiredness

• Skin irritation in the area that was treated

• Teeth erosion or cavities, which can occur from having a dry mouth. That’s why lifelong use of fluoride treatments prescribed by your dentist is recommended.

• Damage to the jaw bone, called osteoradionecrosis. This is a rare but serious complication of radiation. Your risk for this damage is higher if you have bad teeth left in place when getting radiation. That’s why it’s very important to see a dentist before starting radiation

The side effects of radiation therapy can be upsetting; however, your doctor can usually control them. It’s important to let your doctor know about any problems you’re having so he or she can work with you to ease them.

¹ “Side Effects of Cancer Treatment.” National Cancer Institute. U.S. National Institutes of Health. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/oral/page10 Accessed 2010.

² “Coping with the Side Effects and Complications of Treatment?” American Cancer Society. September 24, 2009. http://our.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_4X_Summary_of_Side_Effects_and_Complications_of_Treatment_60.asp?sitearea= Accessed 2010.