Robotic surgery versus radiation outcomes

goffrey
goffrey Member Posts: 58 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Interesting article about treatment option outcomes. I did not have surgery and was glad I didn't. This is a comparision on survival and symptoms after each treatment.

https://www.curetoday.com/view/similar-survival-shown-with-radiation-versus-robotic-surgery-in-hnc

Comments

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,484 Member
    #2

    Goffrey, thanks for the article on treatment comparisons.

    It sure looks like there are no significant outcomes as per the different treatments just trade-offs in recovery or side effects.

    I have seen over the years where someone will choose surgery for H&N cancer over radiation/chemo or be urged by their doctor to go that way to save getting radiation accumulation side effects depending on the location and size of the cancer. Since there is a lifetime limit on radiation they save that as an option in case of recurrence or a new cancer. I know we don't like to think that way, we want to feel like we got cancer once and we will beat it and will not get it again, and I believe that is true for most cases.

    I believe the younger the patient the more this option is considered.

    Again thanks for sharing the article.

    Take Care, God Bless,

    Russ

  • goffrey
    goffrey Member Posts: 58 Member
    #3

    I know the celebrities that had HPV head and neck cancer, Michael Douglas and Stanley Tucci both opted for the chemo radiation route because they didn't want to risk speech/ voice issues given they were both actors. Most people I have come across ended up having surgery and them chemoradiation. Now with the new trials lessening the amount of radiation and length of it I think it will be a game changer in avoiding short term and long term side effects.

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