After treatment for pharyngeal (throat) cancer is completed, it takes time for the body to recover and for you to return to daily life. The recovery process varies from person to person according to the type and extent of the treatment given. This page describes what to expect after treatment and the steps that make recovery easier.
Swallowing and nutrition
Difficulty swallowing is the most common problem after treatment. Healing of the tissues after surgery, and swelling and soreness in the throat after radiotherapy, can make swallowing difficult for a while. During this period:
- Soft, warm and thick-textured foods are easier to swallow; small mouthfuls and frequent meals are recommended.
- If adequate nutrition by mouth is not possible, support is given through a temporary feeding tube, which is removed as swallowing improves.
- A swallowing therapist teaches exercises that strengthen the swallowing muscles and safe swallowing techniques.
- Dietitian support helps to prevent weight loss and ensure adequate protein intake.
Dry mouth and oral care
Radiotherapy can affect the salivary glands; a dry mouth may last for months and can be permanent in some people. Drinking water frequently, artificial saliva products and sugar-free chewing gum relieve the symptom. Because dryness increases the risk of tooth decay, regular dental check-ups and oral care with fluoride products are important. Changes in the sense of taste usually improve with time.
Speech and voice
Depending on the extent of surgery or the effect of radiotherapy, speech may be thick or the voice hoarse for a while. Speech therapy speeds up the recovery of these functions. After operations in which the voice box (larynx) has also been removed, special methods of producing voice are taught; this process takes patience, but most people are able to communicate clearly.
Neck and shoulder movement
After operations in which the lymph nodes in the neck have been removed, stiffness, restricted movement or swelling (lymphoedema) may develop in the neck and shoulder. Gentle exercises started early and physiotherapy where needed help to regain movement.
Fatigue and emotional recovery
Fatigue lasting for weeks after treatment is normal and lessens with time. Anxiety, sadness or sleep problems are also common. Sharing these feelings with those close to you and with your healthcare team, and seeking psychological support when needed, is a natural part of recovery.
Follow-up and lifestyle
Regular follow-up visits are planned after treatment; at these visits, which are more frequent in the first years, an examination and, where needed, endoscopy or imaging are performed. Stopping tobacco and alcohol both speeds recovery and reduces the likelihood of a new tumour developing. A balanced diet and regular physical activity support general wellbeing.
When should you see a doctor?
You should contact your doctor without waiting for your next follow-up visit in the following situations:
- New or increasing difficulty swallowing or pain
- A new lump in the neck
- Bleeding from the mouth or nose
- Shortness of breath
- Fever, or redness and discharge at the operation site
- Marked weight loss
Frequently asked questions
Does the dry mouth go away after treatment?
Dry mouth caused by radiotherapy lessens over the months in most people, although in some it remains to a degree. Drinking plenty of fluids and using artificial saliva products relieves the symptom.
When can I return to work?
This depends on the extent of treatment and the nature of your work. Many people return to daily life within a few weeks to a few months; your doctor will suggest a timeframe suited to you.
How long does follow-up continue?
Follow-up continues for a long time, more frequently in the first years and less often in later years; your doctor will set a schedule suited to you.
This page is general information. Decisions about diagnosis and treatment are made for you personally, and only after an examination. If you have symptoms, see a doctor.