Side Effect Management & Support Resources

Support for head and neck cancer patients before, during and after treatment.

Head & Neck Cancer: Glossary

Definitions of commonly used terms used in the treatment of head and neck cancer patients.

Cervical Dystonia

Cervical dystonia is a side effect which causes neck muscles to contract on their own causing abnormal movements and abnormal posture of the head and neck.

First Bite Syndrome

First bite syndrome is a side effect of head and neck cancer that causes pain in the mouth when salivating or taking the first bites of food during a meal or snack.

Osteoradionecrosis

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a side effect that affects the jaw bone in patients treated with radiation to the mouth area.

Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome

Radiation fibrosis syndrome is a common late side effect of radiation in the treatment of head and neck cancer.

Spinal Accessory Nerve Palsy

Information about Spinal Accessory Nerve Palsy, a side effect of some treatments for head and neck cancers.

Thrush

Thrush is a type of yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida. Learn the symptoms of thrush, how it is diagnosed, and how to prevent thrush.

Thickened Saliva

Thickened saliva (spit) can be a challenging side effect of treatment for head and neck cancers.

Tinnitus is the medical term for hearing a sound when there is no external sound present. This sound is often described as a ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ears. It may be constant or occur occasionally and the sounds may be heard in one or both ears.

Trismus

Information about the side effect trismus and how it is treated.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used to treat some long-term side effects of cancer treatment.

Nutrition During Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer

A review of the diet changes commonly recommended for patients being treated for head and neck cancers.

Speech & Swallowing Support for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

Information about speech and swallow specialists and the support they provide head and neck cancer patients.

Video: How Swallowing Works

This video describes normal swallowing and how treatment for head and neck cancer can affect swallowing.

Video: Tracheostomy Care

This video reviews how the tracheostomy works and how to care for it.

Resources for More Information: Head and Neck Cancer

This article provides information and links to cancer service organizations that provide support education, and resources to people with head and neck cancer.