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For treatment of patients with cancer, radiation oncology is a common treatment to help fight and treat the cancerous region. One of the side effects of radiation therapy is a progressive stiffening of the tissues under radiation. The more radiation a tissue receives, the more likely the stiffening will occur; and patients with long treatment schedules or on a second round of radiation often see these effects. This stiffening is usually treated with stretching to the affected areas.
For head and neck cancer patients, if radiation is applied to areas around the mouth and jaw, the stiffening of the facial tissues causes trismus. Trismus is the limited opening (or range-of-motion) of the mouth. Severe cases of trismus are often called "lockjaw." Unfortunately, the mouth does not easily lend itself to be stretched open, and the stiffening is significant. Additionally, patients are rarely warned of this side-effect to prevent it. Patients often only discover it after the stiffening has caused limitations in their ability to eat, drink, speak, etc.
Exercises and stretching to prevent trismus is the best course when head-and-neck cancer patients are receiving radiation therapy. However, treatment for stiffening of the jaw or trismus includes heat, medication and stretching. Stretching the jaw is difficult and a number of aids have been developed to assist patients, like the OraStretch Press or the TheraBite systems. These devices are used by patients to press their mouth open and stretch the jaw and facial muscles, to overcome the stiffening caused by radiation.
What else can I help you with?
Can x-ray therapy radiation treatment cause vomiting?
Nausea and vomiting are most likely to occur when the radiation dose is high or if the abdomen or another part of the digestive tract is irradiated
When can vascular malformations occur?
Vascular malformations can potentially occur many years after radiation therapy to the brain. Additionally, it is also assumed that severe or repeated head trauma can cause cerebral capillaries to bleed.
Why does lock jaw occur 36 weeks after radiation therapy begins?
For treatment of patients with cancer, radiation oncology is a common treatment to help fight and treat the cancerous region. One of the side effects of radiation therapy is a progressive stiffening of the tissues under radiation. The more radiation a tissue receives, the more likely the stiffening will occur; and patients with long treatment schedules or on a second round of radiation often see these effects. This stiffening is usually treated with stretching to the affected areas. For head and neck cancer patients, if radiation is applied to areas around the mouth and jaw, the stiffening of the facial tissues causes trismus. Trismus is the limited opening (or range-of-motion) of the mouth. Severe cases of trismus are often called "lockjaw." Unfortunately, the mouth does not easily lend itself to be stretched open, and the stiffening is significant. Additionally, patients are rarely warned of this side-effect to prevent it. Patients often only discover it after the stiffening has caused limitations in their ability to eat, drink, speak, etc. Exercises and stretching to prevent trismus is the best course when head-and-neck cancer patients are receiving radiation therapy. However, treatment for stiffening of the jaw or trismus includes heat, medication and stretching. Stretching the jaw is difficult and a number of aids have been developed to assist patients, like the OraStretch Press or the TheraBite systems. These devices are used by patients to press their mouth open and stretch the jaw and facial muscles, to overcome the stiffening caused by radiation.
What risks exist for cancer patients in undergoing surgical therapy?
Surgical therapy can be both disfiguring and disabling. Many normal tissues can be adversely affected by radiation therapy. Side effects that commonly occur shortly after a treatment cycle include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of.
What is the maximum wavelength at which electromagnetic radiation can occur?
The maximum wavelength at which electromagnetic radiation can occur is infinite.
Where does radiation occur in a car?
No where.
Can radiation occur in solid liquids and gases?
Yes, radiation can occur in all three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. In solids and liquids, radiation can be absorbed or emitted by the atoms and molecules. In gases, radiation can also occur due to interactions between gas molecules and electromagnetic radiation.
How are people exposed to radiation?
People can be exposed to radiation through natural sources like the sun or radon gas, as well as through medical procedures like x-rays or radiation therapy. Additionally, exposure can occur from man-made sources such as nuclear power plants, nuclear weapons testing, or accidents like Chernobyl or Fukushima.
What is radiation exposure safety?
Radiation exposure safety is the process of preventing or minimizing exposure to radiation, and tracking what does occur.
Does radiation occur mainly through liquids?
No, radiation occurs mainly between gases!
How do radiation burns occur?
If you are exposed to it too long.
Can stomach cramps occur after radiation treatment?
yes
