What is a radiation stent?
A radiation stent, also known as a radiation shield or positioning stent, is a custom-made device used in the treatment of head and neck cancers. It serves multiple functions to protect healthy tissues, precisely position the patient, and ensure accurate delivery of radiation therapy.
Why do I need to use a radiation stent?
Protection of Healthy Tissues:
- Used during each radiation therapy session, it protects non-targeted areas, such as healthy teeth, gums, and other oral structures, from unnecessary radiation exposure.
- Reduces the risk of radiation-induced side effects, such as mucositis, osteoradionecrosis, and damage to salivary glands.
Stabilization and Positioning:
- Helps maintain the patient’s head and neck in a consistent, reproducible position during each radiation therapy session.
- Ensures that the radiation beams are accurately directed at the tumor, maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment.
Treatment Accuracy:
- Enhances the precision of radiation delivery by minimizing movement and maintaining the correct anatomical alignment.
- Ensures that the radiation beams are accurately directed at the tumor, maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment.
What are the different types of radiation stents?
Oral Stents:
- Designed to fit inside the mouth, these stents can include tongue depressors, bite blocks, or customized trays.
- Used to position and protect the tongue, palate, and other oral structures.
External Stents:
- Positioned outside the mouth and may include masks or headrests that help stabilize the head and neck.
- Ensures consistent positioning during treatment.
Combination Stents:
- Incorporate both internal and external components to provide comprehensive protection and stabilization.
- Tailored to the specific needs of the patient and the location of the tumor.
Radiation stents play a crucial role in the treatment of head and neck cancers by protecting healthy tissues, stabilizing the patient’s position, and enhancing the accuracy of radiation therapy. Custom-made and carefully fitted, these devices help minimize side effects and improve the overall effectiveness of cancer treatment.
When do you involve a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist when diagnosed with cancer?
Ideally, you will visit a dentist at the time of your cancer diagnosis, early involvement will potentially mean a shorter time between diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
By providing comprehensive care and support, maxillofacial prosthodontists like Dr. Cagino have a vital role in improving the quality of life for patients with head and neck cancers, helping them regain function, confidence, and a sense of normalcy.
What is a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist?
As a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist, Dr. Catherine Cagino treats conditions affecting the entire head and neck region. Maxillofacial prosthodontics, a subspecialty of prosthodontics, focuses on rehabilitating patients with congenital defects, disease, or trauma-related disabilities. Dr. Cagino also creates prostheses to protect areas of the head and neck during radiation therapy. She often combines maxillofacial prosthetics with traditional dental therapies to restore health, function, and aesthetics to her patients’ mouths.
Dr. Cagino works closely with ENTs, oral and general surgeons, oncologists, plastic surgeons, anaplastologists, and other medical specialists to ensure optimal, long-term outcomes for her patients. By collaborating with both her patients and their medical teams, she develops customized treatment plans focused on restoring function, comfort, longevity, and confidence. If you’d like to explore how Dr. Cagino can help you, call or email our team to discuss your goals and schedule an initial consultation.