What are side effects of radiation therapy in the throat area?

Throat radiation: Throat pain, swelling, pain and difficulty with or without pain on swallowing, voice change are among some of the side effects of radiation therapy to the throat area. The extent to which side effects will affect you depends on what the radiation therapy is treating. Discuss any concerns with your radiation therapist.

Pain, etc.: The tissues of the head and neck can be very sensitive to radiation. Depending on the site(s) treated and the dose received by those tissues, one can develop: pain (mucositis), dryness, thickened secretions, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, radiation dermatitis, hair loss, thyroid gland dysfunction, tissue edema, fibrosis, increased risk of carotid artery disease, taste & smell alterations.