23/11/2025
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Radiotherapy uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells. It can be used:
- After surgery, to destroy any remaining cancer cells (adjuvant radiotherapy).
- As the main treatment, sometimes combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiotherapy).
- To relieve symptoms if the cancer is advanced.
Treatment is typically given in short daily sessions, Monday to Friday, over several weeks. Before starting, it is crucial to have a full dental check-up, as radiotherapy can cause long-term dental problems. Side effects can include a very sore mouth (mucositis), dry mouth, taste changes, and redness or soreness of the skin in the treated area.
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These drug treatments are generally used for more advanced cancers or those that have returned after initial treatment.
- Chemotherapy: Uses drugs (like cisplatin or 5-FU) to kill cancer cells. It is often given alongside radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy) to make the radiation more effective.
- Targeted Therapy: These drugs, such as cetuximab, work by targeting specific proteins on cancer cells to stop them from growing.
- Immunotherapy: Drugs like pembrolizumab or nivolumab help your own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.