Talk Cancer » Cancer Treatment » Question-Dangers of Radiation to the Face?
Question-Dangers of Radiation to the Face?
Question:
I am trying to make an informed decision concerning radiation treatment and I am having difficulty finding information. I recently underwent surgery for cancer of the tongue. I was advised that the treatment would be surgery followed by radiation therapy. I was referred to a Oncologist, who recommended that I proceed with radiation as a precaution against re-occurrence. He informed me that I would experience temporary drymouth, temporary loss of taste and minor skin irritation. He referred me for a dental examination before starting radiation therapy. The dentist advised me that for the rest of my life I would have to take meticulous care of my teeth, which included a cleaning every three months by a specialist familiar with radiation patients. If I were to lose any teeth or fracture my jaw it would lead to a fatal infection because the "radiated" tissue and bone would not heal. He also advised that I may not recover my ability to taste or from the drymouth condition. He told me that any cut or surgery to the radiated tissue would not heal. So the dilemma for me is, do I proceed with radiation and pray that I don’t have any facial fractures or tooth decay or do I pray that the cancer doesn’t return without the radiation. Any information (personal experience, Web Sites, etc) concerning the side effects and dangers of radiation therapy to the face would be greatly appreciated. +Blessings Bill
Response:
my wife had total body irradiation (TBI) as preparation for her BMT in 96. Risks of radiating the face/skull involve cataracts, brain disorders, and potential pituitary or thyroid malfunction. Medical personnel will not usually discuss this with you and will cling to the theory that head radiation is not correlated to the above-mentioned problems. My wife had pituitary shutdown a month or so after the TBI and altho no one ever "admitted" it we always suspected the radiation. Maybe we’re paranoid. The important thing to remember is that the probability of emerging future problems from the radiation is far less crucial than the assurance of your survival should you decide NOT to follow the treatment. As for the guy who threatenned "fatal infections" because of the radiation – he’s an asshole and should know better than to dish out such absurd advice !