I am just wanting to make sure something is normal really my dad has stage 4 throat/neck cancer and he had his first radiotherapy today and the sides of his face has swollen is this normal?
Sorry to read about your father.When I was going through radiotherapy I had a contact number to call if I had any issues, so that would be my first port of call for your dad. You can call the Cancer Research UK nurses on 0808 800 4040. Wishing your dad all the best x
The reaction (swelling) you have described is not a product of the radiotherapy itself. Radiation responses usually occur when the patient has received 50% of the intended dose.
Depending on your dad's diagnosis the swelling could be due to medications (such as steriods) or unresolved side effect of dental assessment, which most head and neck patients complete prior to RT starting.
A few questions; is your dad having chemo alongside RT? Did he mention if the head/neck mask felt tighter than he remembered?
Do point out any changes or concerns to his RT team for them to document and assess. I hope you and he are both doing OK at this stage.
