Management of radiation induced toxicities during treatment of head and neck cancers

Of the long-term survivors treated with head and neck radiation therapy, 77% to 100% have mild-to-severe radiation damage of soft tissues and bones.[1,2] The severity of disturbances varies with age, radiation dose and field sizes, and concomitant treatment such as chemotherapy.[1,3] To a large degree, salivary glands, oral mucosa, skin and bones are susceptible to changes that can result in constitutional complications such as dehydration, malnutrition and systemic infections. Implementation of oral care protocols before, during and after radiation therapy and frequent evaluation of lesions during local therapy can prevent incidences and severity of toxicities of treatment