Which tumors we treat and when radiotherapy is used
Radiotherapy plays a central role in tumors of the larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, salivary glands, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx and thyroid, among others. It may be used as the main treatment — alone or together with chemotherapy — after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, or to control symptoms. The right combination depends on the tumor type, location and stage, and is defined together with your oncology, ENT or head and neck surgery team. Because delicate structures — the spinal cord, salivary glands, eyes and nerves — sit close by, careful planning is essential in this region of the body.
Preserving voice and swallowing
In many head and neck tumors, particularly of the larynx and pharynx, radiotherapy — alone or with chemotherapy — is part of organ-preservation strategies: treating the disease while aiming to keep functions such as voice and swallowing whenever possible. Whether that approach is right for you depends on the type, location and stage of the tumor, and it is a decision made together with your treating team. In your assessment, Dr. Baquero honestly explains the alternatives available for your situation and what to expect from each one.
Techniques we use
- IMRT (intensity-modulated radiotherapy): especially valuable in head and neck cancer, because it shapes the dose around the tumor while protecting the salivary glands, spinal cord and other healthy structures, reducing dry mouth and other effects.
- 3D conformal radiotherapy: three-dimensional planning aimed at the tumor and the lymph node chains of the neck when indicated.
- Custom immobilization: a thermoplastic mask made to fit you ensures each session treats exactly the same position.
- Image-guided planning for millimeter precision in an area full of delicate structures.
Before starting: the dental evaluation
An important step before head and neck radiotherapy is a dental evaluation. Radiation can affect the health of the teeth and gums, and certain dental procedures are best done before treatment starts, not during or immediately after. When your case requires it, Dr. Baquero will ask for a dental check beforehand and coordinate the timing so your treatment begins safely and without unnecessary delays. He also explains the oral care you will need to keep up during and after radiotherapy.
Treatment and support
Treatment is planned with a simulation CT scan and the immobilization mask. Sessions are outpatient, daily Monday to Friday, brief and painless — you do not feel the radiation during the session. Because effects on the mouth, throat and skin can appear over the weeks — mucosal irritation, discomfort when swallowing, taste changes, skin redness — Dr. Baquero follows you closely throughout treatment, with oral-care, skin-care and symptom-management guidance so you tolerate it better. These effects are monitored session by session, and most tend to improve after treatment ends.
Nutrition during treatment
Keeping up good nutrition and hydration is part of head and neck treatment, because swallowing discomfort can reduce appetite just when your body needs it most. Dr. Baquero monitors your weight and nutritional status over the weeks of treatment, gives you practical eating recommendations and, when your case requires it, coordinates additional nutritional support with the treating team. Reporting any difficulty eating or drinking early makes it possible to act before it becomes a bigger problem.
Care in Barranquilla and Santa Marta
Dr. Baquero treats patients from Barranquilla, Santa Marta and across Colombia's Caribbean region, and coordinates with you the most convenient place for your care. If you already have studies — biopsy, PET-CT, CT or MRI, and an ENT or surgical assessment — you can send them via WhatsApp before your visit for a more precise assessment. He also offers a second opinion to confirm or review a plan already recommended by another doctor. He sees private-pay patients and works with most health insurance plans; coverage is confirmed when you schedule your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Will head and neck radiotherapy leave me without saliva?
Dry mouth is a possible effect, but techniques such as IMRT can protect the salivary glands and reduce it. How much can be protected depends on the tumor location; the doctor explains what to expect in your case.
Will I be able to eat and speak during treatment?
Most patients keep eating and speaking, though mouth and throat discomfort may appear over the weeks. The team provides nutrition and care guidance and monitors your weight throughout treatment.
Will I lose my voice?
It depends on the type, location and stage of the tumor. In many larynx and pharynx cases, radiotherapy is part of strategies that aim to preserve the voice; the doctor honestly explains the alternatives for your situation.
Why do I need to see a dentist before radiotherapy?
Because radiation can affect the teeth and gums, and certain dental procedures are best done before treatment starts. When your case requires it, the doctor asks for that evaluation and coordinates the timing so you begin safely.
Does radiotherapy hurt?
The session itself is painless, similar to having an X-ray. Effects on the treated area appear gradually and are managed together with the doctor.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the tumor type and location and whether radiotherapy is combined with surgery or chemotherapy. The exact number is defined during planning, after your assessment.
Will I be radioactive to my family?
No. With external radiotherapy you are not radioactive and can be with your family completely normally.
Do you take private-pay patients and health insurance?
Yes. Dr. Baquero sees private-pay patients and works with most health insurance plans. Coverage is confirmed when you schedule your appointment. He also offers second opinions on plans already recommended.
Ready for an assessment?
Dr. Baquero will personally review your case. Care in Barranquilla · Santa Marta.
The information on this page is educational and does not replace an individual medical assessment.