Hi: I was wondering if anyone has had head and neck radiation 3 times? In 2007 I had IMRT for early stage rt tonsil cancer and in 2016 I had brachytherapy for left base of tongue caner. After a clear Petscan in March 2021.....I found out 2 months ago that I have a 3cm tumor in same location as 2016 tumor.....right base of tongue. Thank you in advance. Best Rick

Radiating tissues multiple times can have very negative consequences. Not the least of which is severe tissue necrosis and resulting healing issues. That said as you know from a second go around with a different radiation idea; very localized brachytherapy can sometimes be used, though it’s a very old idea and controlling the exact area impacted is not super controllable. You have one thing going in your favor. The IMRT map is still likely available. The amount of radiation this new area received is less knowable but may not have been heavily radiated.

It is likely that they might discourage you from doing this. What kills the cancer could also leave you with life long chronic issues. I do not know of any patients I’ve talked to over the last two decades that have had three goes at RT.

Please let us know how this pans out and what is decided. We can all learn from your experience. B