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← Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity Cancer

FOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING

Radiation therapy

Source: Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.

Source updated: November 8, 2024 · 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 is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. There are two types of radiation therapy:

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External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the area of the body with cancer. The total dose of radiation therapy is sometimes divided into several smaller, equal doses delivered over a period of several days. This is called fractionation.

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Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer.

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The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. External and internal radiation therapy are used to treat paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer.

External radiation therapy to the thyroid or the pituitary gland may change the way the thyroid gland works. The thyroid hormone levels in the blood may be tested before and after treatment.

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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice