Radiation Scatter

Bunnymom
Bunnymom Member Posts: 212 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

I wonder if there are others out there who are dealing with radiation scatter. I'm about 4-1/2 months post radiation & chemo treatment. 

my treatment was to the left side. I've had surgery to remove the primary on my tongue 16 months ago so that side of my tongue is pretty much numb. I'm experiencing pain on the right side of my tongue. The oncologist believes it's from the radiation (scatter) which he says, "goes everywhere" regardless of the fact that it is targeted. I wore a mouth guard during treatment but that apparently didn't help much. I have no visible sores or burns but my tongue looks pretty beat up!

Is anyone else dealing with this? Has anyone else found some sort of relief? Does this subside or go away with time? Any help would be appreciated. 

Thank you all So much!

Comments

  • MGC
    MGC Member Posts: 72 Member
    #2
    Radiation Scatter

    I cannot say that i have ever heard of that term. I myself had no surgery with my treatment, and i do still have toung pain and soreness even years later. Not to be discouraged though it is manageable. I do remember some type of issues i had during the radiation treatments because of my gold crowns even though I had also worn gaurds. Considering you had surgery I would expect it would take a decent while to completely heal.

     Good luck and I hope it improves soon.

  • PJ47
    PJ47 Member Posts: 376
    #3
    yes there is "scatter"

    I am one year post radiation and now I have cataracts form the radiation. Will need  surgery this year for the cataracts.  Prior to treatment my vision was good, now I cannot see well enough to drive at night and read with a magnifying glass and reading glasses!  My tongue did suffer some damage from the radiation but it has healed well and I had diode laser treatment from my dentist during the radiation to help my tongue heal so I could talk and swallow.  Check with a dentist to see if it is offered it may provide some relief.  Good luck to you,

    PJ

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,773 Member
    #4
    scatter

    radiation beams can bounce off things such as metal fillings. This is a form of scatter. Radiation also targets specific areas but typical IMRT  has less control over the depth of the beam, so radiation hits areas beyond the targeted area. THE RO and dosimetrist make the map and define contours in a way to minimize radiation affecting other areas.

    Not many delve into the treatment process but naturally I did and studied what the dosimetrist and medical physisict does. I studied my map and reviewed and discussed the RO. I asked specifically how much my parotid glands were being it and asked they do their best to avoid hitting anything. I honestly believe that when a patient is informed and involved to this degree the professionals do put a bit more effort into your specific case. It is only human nature that doing the same job day after day becomes pretty routine but when someone asks some pretty pointed questions, one wakes up a bit and pays a bit more attention.

     

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #5
    donfoo said:

    scatter

    radiation beams can bounce off things such as metal fillings. This is a form of scatter. Radiation also targets specific areas but typical IMRT  has less control over the depth of the beam, so radiation hits areas beyond the targeted area. THE RO and dosimetrist make the map and define contours in a way to minimize radiation affecting other areas.

    Not many delve into the treatment process but naturally I did and studied what the dosimetrist and medical physisict does. I studied my map and reviewed and discussed the RO. I asked specifically how much my parotid glands were being it and asked they do their best to avoid hitting anything. I honestly believe that when a patient is informed and involved to this degree the professionals do put a bit more effort into your specific case. It is only human nature that doing the same job day after day becomes pretty routine but when someone asks some pretty pointed questions, one wakes up a bit and pays a bit more attention.

     

    Don I agree about being informed.

    All my doctors and nurses knew I did resurch and was aware of what was being done to me. I feel when I would ask a question they would really explain it to me in more detail.

    Bill

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #6
    I didn't suffer with tongue pain

    once treatment was over.  But in the 3 years I've been here, my guess is that yes.....time to heal is the answer, and that you will find relief.  4 1/2 months "seems" like a long time since treatment, but it isn't.....not for something like this.....nerves take the longest to heal of any other body part. 

    p

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #7
    bunny, i don't have that

    bunny, i don't have that problem that i know of or that has shown up but wanted to say i am praying for you to feel better and be out of that pain.

    God bless you,

    dj

  • hlrowe
    hlrowe Member Posts: 80
    #8
    Ask your RO about your radiation map

    Before you get the first rad it is all mapped in a software simulation. A LOT of number crunching. I received 70 gy total on the primary tumor but every part of my mug and neck received some type of dosage. For instance my left ear (side tumor was on) received a total of 7 gy, which has caused tinnitus.

    It scatters all over the room. Which is why there is a hallway before you get to the linac room. The door to the Linac usually has Boron inside of it to catch the bounced rays.

    Hang in there. Your discomfort will subside over the next few months. I'm over 2.5 years out and my tastebuds are still improving!

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