TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Radiation therapy
Source: Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: May 16, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
Context: Treatment Option Overview / The following types of treatment are used:
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing by damaging their DNA. External and internal radiation therapy are used to treat lip and oral cavity cancer:
External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the area of the body with cancer.
Internal radiation therapy (also called brachytherapy) uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer.
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Radiation therapy may work better in patients who have stopped smoking before beginning treatment. It is also important for patients to have a dental exam before radiation therapy begins so that existing problems can be treated.
Learn more about Radiation Therapy to Treat Cancer and Radiation Therapy Side Effects.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice