| A variety of types and locations of cancers affect the head and neck. These require difficult treatments that are further complicated by their proximity to the brain, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat.
All head and neck cancers significantly increase the incidence of trismus, with studies showing limited range-of-motion (ROM) in more than 50% of head and neck cancer patients. The cancers themselves, or trauma from the treatment, can cause trismus, sometimes years later. A common side effect of radiation is immediate or progressing muscle stiffness that often restricts opening the jaw, especially in cases near the jaw, ears, and upper neck.
Other side effects of cancer treatment include dry mouth, infection, dental cavities, and bone damage.
Treatment
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery
Resources
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