Radiation is the most commonly used treatment for most types of head and neck cancer. It can be used on its own. Or you may have radiation—sometimes in combination with chemotherapy—after surgery.
At Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, we offer all types of radiation therapies, including innovative proton therapy, to effectively treat head and neck cancer. Our radiation oncologists work closely with our head and neck surgeons to design a personalized therapy plan for you. Our goal is to provide the most successful treatment with the fewest side effects.
Typically, radiation therapy requires you to come to the hospital five days a week for several weeks. Having a world-class radiation and proton therapy center close to home improves convenience and quality of life during treatment.
How We Use Radiation to Treat Head and Neck and Cancer
Even after a successful surgery, your doctor may recommend radiation to kill any remaining cancer cells. In many cases, this combination can effectively cure some types of head and neck cancer. HPV-related head and neck cancers typically respond very well to this mix of therapies.
Before you begin radiation, you meet with one of our skilled radiation oncologists. They will do a "simulation," during which they create a customized mask that ensures precision and accuracy during radiation treatment. Your radiologist will also do imaging tests to map out areas to treat, as well as areas to protect.
You’ll typically receive radiation in 30-minute sessions, every day, Monday through Friday. A course of treatment for head and neck cancer varies in length, but usually lasts at least five to seven weeks.
Benefits of Proton Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer
Proton therapy is an innovative type of radiation that may be a better option for some types of head and neck cancer. The new Proton Therapy Center at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health is the first and only facility of its kind in Central Pennsylvania. Having access to this groundbreaking treatment close to home offers a unique benefit to our patients.
Other advantages of proton therapy include:
- Precision delivery: Proton therapy uses a small, pencil-sized beam to deliver radiation directly to the targeted cancer cells.
- Less damage to healthy tissue: Thanks to the pinpoint precision of the radiation delivered, proton therapy can significantly reduce radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
- Ability to modify the dose: The delivery system for proton therapy allows us to adjust the dose of radiation. That means we can safely deliver higher doses to destroy cancer cells while still protecting vital organs and tissue.
- Fewer side effects: Some people who have proton therapy report fewer or milder side effects from the treatment. That can mean less nausea, pain and difficulty swallowing. Fewer side effects can improve quality of life and make it easier for you to complete your treatment.
- Option for treating recurring cancer: If cancer returns, we may be able to treat it using proton therapy. Since traditional radiation can result in permanent damage to surrounding tissue, it is often not an option for treating recurring cancers.
Request an Appointment
To make an appointment at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, call 717-544-9400 or request an appointment using our online form.