The Types of Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer is a type of cancer that affects the tissues and organs in the head and neck area. It can occur in any part of the head or neck, including the mouth, nose, throat, or lymph nodes in the neck. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor, but may include difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing, a sore throat; hoarseness; or a lump in the neck. Treatment options for head and neck cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. This blog post will discuss different types of radiation therapy used for head and neck cancer.
There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy. EBRT uses a machine to deliver high-energy beams of radiation to the head and neck area. Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive material in or near the tumor. Both types of radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
External Beam Radiation Therapy
EBRT is the most common type of radiation therapy used to treat head and neck cancer. It can be used as the primary treatment, or it may be combined with surgery or chemotherapy. EBRT can be delivered using different techniques, including
- Conformal radiation therapy (CRT) is a type of radiotherapy that uses highly focused beams of radiation to target cancerous cells while sparing healthy tissue. CRT is effective in treating head and neck cancer, and it is often used in combination with other types of treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy. The goal of CRT is to deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumor while sparing as much normal tissue as possible. This can help to minimize side effects and improve outcomes.
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a type of radiation therapy that uses computer-controlled x-ray beams to deliver precise doses of radiation to head and neck cancer. The x-ray beams are shaped to match the shape of the tumor, and the intensity of the beams is varied to optimize the dose delivery. IMRT allows for higher doses of radiation to be delivered to the tumor while sparing normal tissues. IMRT can be delivered using either photons or electrons. The choice of the particle beam is based on the location and size of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health.
- Proton therapy is a form of radiation that uses proton beams instead of photon beams. Unlike photons, protons do not penetrate beyond the tumor. That’s why proton therapy reduces the likelihood of side effects caused by damage to normal tissue. Because there could be fewer side effects, proton therapy allows us to use a higher radiation dose on the tumor, maximizing the chance of destroying it.
- Image-Guided Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IG-IMRT) uses imaging tests such as CT, MRI, or PET. These are combined with special computer software to optimize the real-time delivery of radiation to the treatment area.
- Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) is a type of radiation therapy that uses special equipment to precisely target cancerous tumors. SBRT works by delivering high doses of radiation directly to the tumor, while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This makes SBRT an ideal treatment option for patients who are not candidates for surgery or who have tumors that are difficult to remove surgically. In addition, SBRT is effective in treating tumors that have recurred after previous treatment.
Brachytherapy
It can be used as the primary treatment for head and neck cancer, or it may be combined with EBRT. There are two types of brachytherapy: low-dose rate (LDR) and high-dose-rate (HDR). LDR involves placing a radioactive material in the tumor for a period of time, while HDR involves delivering high doses of radiation over a shorter period of time. Brachytherapy can be used to treat head and neck cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck.
Treatment options vary depending on the stage and location of the tumor, as well as your overall health and preferences. Be sure to ask your doctor about all of your treatment options and their risks and benefits.
Radiation therapy is a common treatment for head and neck cancer, but it is not the only option. Talk to your doctor about all of your treatment options so that you can make an informed decision about your care. Thanks for reading.