Radiotherapy for throat cancer is carried by radiologists and physicians. The therapy is performed in special isolated labs, where patients are exposed to set doses of radiation in order to destroy the tumor. Radiation treatment for throat cancer is more effective if it is carried out in succession. Patients need to make as little breaks between sessions as possible.
Most clinics provide radiation treatment on an outpatient basis. It means that patients don’t need to stay in the hospital during the time between therapeutic sessions. The full course can take up to 7 weeks to complete.
There are several types of radiation treatment for throat cancer, each implementing different grades of equipment.
Types of radiation therapies for throat cancer
- Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT). During this treatment, radiologists use special imaging devices to target radiation particles at the tumor. Physicians use PET-CT or X-ray scanners to localize cancer.
- Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Radiologists utilize linear accelerators to precisely irradiate tumor in the throat. The device has a special filter shaped to match tumor. This is the most common type of radiation treatment for throat cancer.
- Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). This is the most contemporary disease management option. 3-dimensional irradiation equipment allows delivering high doses of radiation with minimal collateral damage to adjacent cells. The treatment process is carried out extremely fast and precise, most manipulations are automated. This allows patients to spend less time at a hospital.
How to receive radiotherapy treatment for throat cancer abroad
Submit a request on Bookimed website and our Medical Doctor will contact you on the shortest notice. You will receive full information regarding radiation for throat cancer, including the cost of radiation therapy for throat cancer and other available types of disease management.
Bookimed will process your medical records and provide assistance with undergoing treatment abroad. Our services are completely free for patients.