Larynx Cancer (cont.)
Side effects of treatment for
larynx cancer
Cancer treatments are very powerful. Treatments that remove or destroy
cancer cells are likely to damage healthy cells, too. That's why treatments
often cause side effects. This section describes some of the side effects of
each kind of treatment.
Side effects may not be the same for each person, and they may even
change from one treatment session to the next. Before treatment starts, your
health care team will explain possible side effects and how they can be
managed. It may help to know that although some side effects may not go away
completely, most of them become less troubling.
It may also help to talk with other patients. A social worker, nurse, or
other member of the medical team can set up a visit with someone who has had
the same treatment.
The NCI provides helpful booklets about cancer treatments and coping with
side effects, such as Radiation Therapy and You and Eating Hints for Cancer
Patients. See the "National Cancer Institute Information Resources" and
"National Cancer Institute Booklets" sections for other sources of
information about side effects.
Radiation therapy
People treated with radiation therapy may have some or all of these side
effects:
- Dry mouth. Drinking lots of fluids can help. Some patients find
artificial saliva helpful. It comes in a spray or squeeze bottle.
- Sore throat or mouth. Your health care provider may suggest special
rinses to numb your throat and mouth and help relieve the soreness.
- Delayed healing after dental care. Many doctors recommend having a dental
exam and any needed dental work before radiation therapy.
- Tooth decay. Good mouth care can help keep your teeth and gums healthy
and can help you feel better. If it's hard to floss or brush your teeth in
the usual way, you can try using gauze, a soft toothbrush, or a toothbrush
that has a spongy tip instead of bristles. A mouthwash made with diluted
peroxide, salt water, baking soda, or a combination can keep your mouth
fresh and help protect your teeth from decay. It may also be helpful to use
fluoride toothpaste or rinse.
- Changes in sense of taste and smell. During radiation therapy, food may
taste or smell different.
- Fatigue. During radiation therapy, you may become very tired, especially
in the later weeks of treatment. Resting is important, but doctors usually
advise their patients to stay as active as they can.
- Changes in voice quality. Your voice may be weak at the end of the day.
It may also be affected by changes in the weather. Voice changes and the
feeling of a lump in your throat may come from swelling in the larynx caused
by the radiation. The doctor may suggest medicine to reduce this swelling.
- Skin changes in treated area. The skin in the treated area may become red
or dry. Good skin care is important at this time. Try to expose this area to
the air but protect it from the sun. Avoid wearing clothes that rub, and do
not shave the treated area. You should not put anything on your skin before
radiation treatments. Also, you should never use lotion or cream without
your doctor's advice.
Surgery
People who have surgery may have any of these side effects:
- Pain. You may be uncomfortable for the first few days after surgery.
However, medicine can usually control the pain. You should feel free to
discuss pain relief with the doctor or nurse.
- Low energy. It is common to feel tired or weak after surgery. The length
of time it takes to recover from an operation is different for each patient.
- Swelling in the throat. For a few days after surgery, you won't be able
to eat, drink, or swallow. At first, you will receive fluid through an
intravenous (IV) tube placed into your arm. Within a day or two, you will
get fluids and nutrition through a feeding tube (put in place during
surgery) that goes through your nose and throat into your stomach. When the
swelling goes away and the area begins to heal, the feeding tube will be
removed. Swallowing may be difficult at first, and you may need the help of
a nurse or speech pathologist. Soon you will be eating your regular diet.
If you need a feeding tube for longer than one week, you may get a tube
that goes directly into the abdomen. Most patients slowly return to eating
solid foods by mouth, but for a very few patients, the feeding tube may be
permanent.
- Increased mucus production. After the operation, the lungs and windpipe
produce a lot of mucus, also called sputum. To remove it, the nurse applies
gentle suction by placing a small plastic tube in the stoma. You will learn
to cough and suction mucus through the stoma without the nurse's help.
- Numbness, stiffness, or weakness. After a laryngectomy, parts of the neck
and throat may be numb because nerves have been cut. Also, the shoulder,
neck, and arm may be weak and stiff. You may need physical therapy to
improve your strength and flexibility after surgery.
- Changes in physical appearance. Your neck will be somewhat smaller, and
it will have scars. Some patients find it helpful to wear clothing that
covers the neck area.
- Tracheostomy. Patients who have surgery will have a stoma. With most
supraglottic and partial laryngectomies, the stoma is temporary. After a
short recovery period, the tube can be removed, and the stoma closes up. You
should then be able to breathe and talk in the usual way. In some people,
however, the voice may be hoarse or weak.
After a total laryngectomy, the stoma is permanent. If you have a total
laryngectomy, you will need to learn to speak in a new way. The section
called "Learning to Speak Again" has more information.
More information about stomas may be found in the "Living with a Stoma"
section.
Chemotherapy
The side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on the specific drugs and
the dose. In general, anticancer drugs affect cells that divide rapidly:
- Blood cells: These cells fight infection, help your blood to clot, and
carry oxygen to all parts of your body. If your blood cells are affected,
you are more likely to get infections, may bruise or bleed easily, and may
feel very weak and tired.
- Cells in hair roots: Chemotherapy can lead to hair loss, but hair will
grow back. However, the new hair may be different in color and texture.
- Cells that line the digestive tract: Chemotherapy can cause poor
appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or mouth and lip sores. Many of
these side effects can be controlled with new or improved drugs.
Nutrition
Some people who have had treatment for cancer of the larynx may lose
their interest in food. Soreness and changes in smell and taste may make
eating difficult. Yet good nutrition is important. Eating well means getting
enough calories and protein to prevent weight loss, regain strength, and
rebuild healthy tissues.
If eating is difficult because your mouth is dry from radiation therapy,
you may want to try soft, bland foods moistened with sauces or gravies.
Thick soups, puddings, and milkshakes often are easier to swallow. The nurse
and the dietitian will help you choose the right foods.
After surgery or radiation therapy, some people need feeding tubes placed
into the abdomen. Most people slowly return to a regular diet. Learning to
swallow again may take some practice with the help of a nurse or speech
pathologist. Some people find liquids easier to swallow; others do better
with solid foods. You will find what works best for you.
Next: What is involved in rehabilitation after surgery
for larynx cancer? »
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