Side effects of head and neck radiation therapy
Disease description:
I previously heard that radiation therapy can cause many side effects for patients. I am planning to undergo head and neck radiation therapy at the hospital. Could you please tell me what the side effects of head and neck radiation therapy are?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Peng Xiaodong
Patients undergoing head and neck radiation therapy may experience swelling in areas such as the face and neck. This mainly occurs because radiation can cause blockage in the lymph node drainage regions, leading to fluid accumulation in the subcutaneous tissues and resulting in edema. Additionally, other side effects may include difficulty opening the mouth, skin redness, dryness, enlarged pores, and even symptoms such as dry mouth, mucosal congestion, and hearing loss.
