Complications following head and neck radiotherapy
Disease description:
A friend of mine has brain cancer and needs to go to the hospital for radiation therapy. I heard from the doctor that this treatment may cause some side effects. What are the potential complications following head and neck radiation therapy?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Peng Xiaodong
After radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, patients may develop certain sequelae. For example, dry mouth occurs when radiation affects the salivary glands, reducing saliva production. Hearing loss may also occur, primarily due to radiation-induced mucosal edema that interferes with sound conduction. Additionally, temporomandibular joint function may be affected, leading to symptoms such as difficulty opening the mouth.
