World Cancer Day | Precision radiotherapy allows tumors to “pack up and go”, experts advise “anti-cancer warriors” on how to deal with adverse reactions

Head and neck tumors are a high-incidence category of malignant tumors. Patients with nasopharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, etc. usually require radiotherapy after surgery. This precise treatment method of “packing away” tumors is often accompanied by a series of side effects. On the occasion of World Cancer Day, Liu Yimin, Director of the Radiation Therapy Department of the Oncology Department of Sun Yat-sen University Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, recommended “anti-cancer warriors” so that patients can respond in a targeted manner. Side effects caused by radiotherapy on the skin, mouth, taste and other functions can be smoothed through the treatment period.

Head and neck tumors rank sixth among global malignant tumors, accounting for approximately 10% of global malignant tumors. Cancer radiotherapy (radiation therapy) is a local treatment method that uses radiation to treat tumors. Radiation therapy is like a dedicated artist, using its paintbrush to “paint” precisely on the tumor while doing its best to protect surrounding healthy cells. But sometimes, the “painting” brushstrokes may leave some unwelcome “marks”, such as skin reactions and oral problems common during radiation therapy. Professor Liu Yimin introduced that by “defeating the side effects that are prone to occur in each part one by one”, tumor patients can also safely spend the radiotherapy treatment period and minimize the impact of side effects.

Skin: Treat it with gentleness and care, and prepare common medications

Radiation therapy needs to penetrate the skin to kill tumors, so the skin in the irradiated area may develop varying degrees of radiation dermatitis. Therefore, patients should treat their skin gently and carefully during radiation therapy. Professor Liu Yimin suggested that patients can change into loose, cotton, and round-necked clothes to allow the skin to “breathe freely”; use a parasol and sunscreen when going out, rub gently when taking a bath, and avoid using irritating shower gel.

In addition, patients should pay special attention to various “minor conditions” of the skin. Pay special attention to the use of skin radiation protectants and apply them at least 4-5 times a day (but do not apply them 2 hours before radiotherapy). If local skin itching occurs, you can always keep medicines such as borneol and talcum powder. If wet dermatitis or ulcers occur, you must seek medical attention immediately and seek professional help.

Oral: Use fluoride toothpaste and proactively treat ulcers

Patients with head and neck tumors may experience varying degrees of oral mucositis during radiotherapy. To cope with various discomforts in the oral mucosa, patients should stay away from tobacco, alcohol and spicy food, keep their mouths clean, use fluoride toothpaste, and brush their teeth regularly. gargle. If ulcers or pain occur, seek medical attention promptly and use mouthwash and medications as directed.

For radiotherapy patients, experts recommend gargling with honeysuckle boiled water every day, or gargling with light salt water more than 30 times a day, while increasing water and nutrient intake. If oral ulcers and pain affect eating and drinking, the doctor will provide corresponding treatment according to the situation, such as antibiotics, appropriate amounts of hormones, aerosol treatment, and specially formulated analgesic mouthwash (containing lidocaine, vitamin B12, dexamethasone , epidermal growth factor, etc.). Traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions such as watermelon cream, Sipayi gum-fixing liquid, Kangfuxin liquid, etc. can also help relieve oral mucosal symptoms. If pain worsens, weak opioid analgesics can be used under the guidance of a physician. For patients with large “white films” in their mouths, it may be a fungal infection. They should seek medical attention immediately. Use sodium bicarbonate solution to dissolve nystatin tablets and rinse their mouths thoroughly. If necessary, use antifungal drugs such as fluoride. Conazole et al.

Adjust your diet to stabilize your taste buds, and perform functional exercises to take care of your joints

Changes in taste and loss of appetite are a “roller coaster ride” that radiation therapy patients may experience during treatment, but don’t worry, patients can stabilize this “journey” by adjusting their diet. Drinking more water, eating smaller meals more often, and choosing foods that are easier to digest can give your taste buds a “gentle hug” and help them “land” safely from the “roller coaster”.

In addition, head and neck movement disorders and difficulty opening the mouth are also common side effects of radiotherapy. Problems such as “uncooperative” ears or stiffness of the jaw joint can be solved by maintaining communication with the doctor and insisting on necessary functional exercises.

The Radiation Therapy Department of the Oncology Department of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University has uniquely created the “Trilogy of Head and Neck Functional Training” and the “Five-Step of Mouth Opening Training” methods (as shown in the picture). These exercises can help patients reduce movement disorders and gradually restore functions. “More Power” on the road to cancer.

It is worth mentioning that in this battle against head and neck tumors, maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude is the superpower of every “anti-cancer fighter”. Professor Liu Yimin suggested that patients should communicate with doctors regularly, track treatment progress, insist on follow-up functional exercises, and maintain an optimistic, relaxed mood and positive treatment attitude. Every oncologist always works side by side with patients to help them recover as soon as possible. Be healthy and regain the color of life.