Post-Treatment Side Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Side effects after treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

Hello Dr.
Lai: I just completed radiation and chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in May of this year, and it has been exactly two months.
I returned to work on July 18 and started feeling some numbness in my chin on the afternoon of July 20.
Could you please let me know if this is a side effect of the treatment? Do I need to go back to the hospital for an examination?

Lee9788, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/07/21

Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology

Dear Mr.
Lee9788,
Thank you for your message.
I would like to respond as follows: Many patients who have undergone radiation therapy for head and neck cancer experience symptoms similar to yours.
This is a side effect caused by radiation damage to the nerves in the cervical spine during treatment.
However, this side effect typically diminishes and resolves within approximately 3 to 6 months without leaving any long-term sequelae.

If the symptoms are quite severe, taking active vitamin B12 may help expedite the recovery from nerve damage.
The recommended dosage is one tablet three times a day.
However, since active B12 is not inexpensive, it is often excluded from coverage by public health insurance when prescribed, making it difficult for insured patients to obtain it.

Reply Date: 2016/07/21

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the post-treatment side effects of nasopharyngeal cancer. It’s understandable to have questions about new symptoms following treatment, especially after undergoing radiation and chemotherapy.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that both radiation therapy and chemotherapy can lead to a variety of side effects, some of which may manifest weeks or even months after treatment has concluded. Common side effects of radiation therapy to the head and neck region include dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, changes in taste, and potential nerve damage, which can lead to sensations such as tingling or numbness in the jaw or face. The sensation of "tingling" or "numbness" in the chin or jaw area, as you described, could indeed be related to the treatment you received. This may be due to radiation-induced nerve damage or inflammation in the surrounding tissues.

In your case, since you experienced this tingling sensation shortly after returning to work, it could also be exacerbated by stress or fatigue, which are common after cancer treatment. However, it is crucial to differentiate between treatment-related side effects and new symptoms that may indicate a different issue, such as recurrence of cancer or other complications.

Here are a few considerations regarding your situation:
1. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a close eye on the tingling sensation. If it persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, swelling, or changes in sensation elsewhere, it would be prudent to consult your healthcare provider.

2. Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments are essential after cancer treatment. These visits allow your healthcare team to monitor for any late effects of treatment and to assess your overall recovery. If you have not had a follow-up appointment since completing your treatment, it may be a good idea to schedule one, especially if you have concerns about new symptoms.

3. Communication with Your Doctor: When you do see your doctor, be sure to communicate all your symptoms clearly. Mention the timeline of when the tingling started, any other symptoms you may have experienced, and how it has affected your daily life. This information will help your doctor assess the situation more accurately.

4. Potential Tests: Depending on your doctor’s assessment, they may recommend imaging studies (like an MRI or CT scan) or nerve conduction studies to evaluate the cause of your symptoms. These tests can help rule out any serious complications or confirm if the symptoms are indeed related to your previous treatment.

5. Supportive Care: In the meantime, consider engaging in supportive care practices. This can include physical therapy, nutritional support, and stress management techniques, which can help improve your overall well-being and potentially alleviate some symptoms.

In summary, while the tingling sensation in your chin could be a side effect of your recent treatment, it’s essential to monitor it closely and consult your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They will be able to provide you with the best guidance based on your specific situation and medical history. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources and support available to help you through your recovery.

Similar Q&A

Improving Symptoms After Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: What to Expect

Hello Doctor: My mother is a patient with stage II to III nasopharyngeal carcinoma. She has recently completed chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While we understand that oral discomfort is common after treatment, it has been over two months, and there has been no improvement. S...

Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello Joyce: Radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy can cause damage to the local mucosa of the nasopharynx, and discomfort may persist for some time. The ringing in the ears may be related to the neurotoxicity of the chemotherapy agents, or it could be due to residual tumo...

Understanding Radiation Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Side Effects and Dietary Tips

Dear Dr. Tseng: My uncle has recently started radiation therapy for stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma. What side effects should we expect? Are there any dietary or lifestyle considerations we should be aware of? Additionally, are there any traditional Chinese medicine remedies o...

Dr. Zeng Yuhua reply Oncology
Hello! In the case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma radiotherapy, common acute side effects include dry mouth (typically occurring two weeks post-radiation), mucosal damage in the pharynx (around three weeks post-radiation), and throat pain. As treatment nears completion, the irradiat...

Managing Late Effects of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Radiation Therapy

Hello Dr. Zheng, my father is 64 years old and was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma 29 years ago. He underwent radiation therapy at that time, which resulted in hearing loss in his right ear. However, starting in May of this year, he began experiencing pain, purulent disch...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if the symptoms persist without improvement, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngologist for an examination of the oropharynx, and to arrange for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with a gastroenterologist to check for any related issues. Wishing you safety and health...

Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Blood Tests and Ear Symptoms

I would like to ask about my recent symptoms. I've been experiencing a slight discomfort in my right ear and occasional mild nasal congestion in my right nostril, without any nasal discharge, sneezing, or nosebleeds. There are no hard lumps in my neck. I have undergone blood...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: The nasopharyngeal carcinoma index is generally provided for physicians' reference. If symptoms persist without improvement, it is necessary to seek medical evaluation to check for abnormalities in the nasopharynx. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng J...