Risks Associated With Radiation from the RTOG for nasopharynx trial

Very Likely

Sores in the mouth and/or throat, which can be painful and make it very difficult to chew and/or swallow foods and for which most patients will need medicine for pain. Because chewing and/or swallowing are likely to be difficult, the study doctor may recommend placing a feedingtube before or during treatment so you can receive the nutrition you need. You might need a long term or permanent feeding tube. You should talk to your study doctor about this.

Mouth dryness or changes in taste and/or smell that may be permanent
Thick saliva
Tanning or redness of the skin in the head and neck area being treated with radiation
Ear pain and/or pressure
Fatigue
Weight loss
Permanent hair loss in the area treated with radiation
Loss of teeth, or cavities in the teeth, if strict dental care is not followed and/or hypersensitivity of teeth

Less Likely, But Serious

Decrease in function of the thyroid gland that may require you to take thyroid replacement medicine to prevent you from feeling tired or sleepy

Serious damage to the spinal cord, nerves in the neck, jawbone, voice box, skin, or other parts of the head and neck that may require a major operation to correct and, rarely, can even be life threatening

Temporary pain or scarring around nerves in the shoulder that could cause numbness and/or weakness

Breathing problems

Difficulty with swallowing and eating with the possibility of inhaling food and/or liquids into the lungs – which could also result in pneumonia.

Serious ear infections and/or hearing loss

Damage to the spinal cord leading to permanent weakness and/or symptoms like a “stroke”