Radiotherapy reaction caused by radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Most nasopharyngeal carcinomas are poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas and are relatively sensitive to radiotherapy. High-energy radiotherapy with cobalt-60 or linear accelerators is often used. Radiotherapy can effectively kill tumor cells, but it also damages normal tissues and organs, resulting in radiation reactions. Common radiation reactions include the following:

1. Whole body radiation reaction

These symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, loss of taste or change in taste in the mouth, insomnia or drowsiness, etc. In the late stage of treatment, radiation reactions such as atrophy of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, thinning of the skin, dilation of capillaries, and hypopigmentation may occur on the face and neck.

2. Mucosal reactions

Mucosal edema, congestion, and exudation may occur in the mucosa of the oropharynx, nasopharynx, nasal cavity, and paranasal sinuses. In severe cases, it may cause punctate or flaky white film. Throat pain and nasal congestion are common symptoms during radiotherapy.

3. Salivary gland radiation reaction

Saliva secretion is significantly reduced, the patient has dry mouth and difficulty eating dry food.

4. Radiation reaction of skin and subcutaneous tissue

The skin in the irradiated area generally shows erythema, pigmentation, hair loss and dry peeling. In severe cases, edema or blisters may occur. After continued treatment, the skin may merge into large areas of moist peeling, and exude and erode into moist dermatitis.

5. Other radiation reactions

Difficulty in opening the mouth, radiation-induced dental caries and radiation-induced mandibular osteonecrosis, radiation-induced skin and subcutaneous tissue erysipelas, radiation-induced otitis media, radiation-induced brain and spinal cord injury, etc.