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External radiotherapy treats cancer by using doses of high-energy x-rays to destroy the cancer cells while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells.
Treatment may take 3-7 weeks, depending on the type and size of the cancer. Your radiotherapy doctor (clinical oncologist) or specialist nurse will discuss the treatment with you.
This is the most common type of external beam radiotherapy used for head and neck cancers.
A special attachment to the radiotherapy machine arranges the radiation beams to match the shape of the cancer. Shaping the radiotherapy beams reduces the radiation received by surrounding healthy cells.
IMRT| is available in some hospitals. It’s a newer way of giving radiotherapy and can shape radiotherapy even more accurately to the exact shape of the cancer.
Research has found that, for some people, having IMRT rather than standard radiotherapy may reduce some long-term side effects such as a dry mouth.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.