Head and neck radiotherapy side effects

The main side effects from radiotherapy to the head and neck include:mouth problemsproblems with your teethweight lossdifficulty swallowingchanges to your voiceswelling in your neck and face (lymphoedema)You may also experience more general side effects of radiotherapy such as hair loss, sore skin and tiredness. Read more about the general side effects of radiotherapy Likeall side effects of radiotherapy, you might not feel these straight away. Side effects tend to come on gradually as you go through your treatment. And for a few weeks afterwards.Everyone reacts differently to radiotherapy, so how you feel variesfrom person to person. Problems with your mouth and teeth During radiotherapy you may have problems with your mouth and teeth. These can include: Sore mouth The cells lining your mouth are sensitive to radiation. Radiotherapy is likely to make your mouth sore and you might have ulcers after a week or so. This is called oral mucositis.The soreness usually only lasts while you ar...