Side-Effects of Radiation Therapy

Side-Effects of Radiation Therapy

The extent
and the type of side effects are determined by the location of the tumour and
the location of the radiation being delivered. Your radiation oncologist will
explain you the expected side effects depending on your body parts involved in
radiation treatment.  It’s a local
treatment so it will not affect the immune system entirely.

Skin changes: Skin changes such
as itching, dryness or peeling can be seen due to radiation therapy to that
particular part. However, these symptoms usually go away a few weeks after the
treatment ends. If the skin damage is severe, your doctor may prescribe
medication to treat the skin or change the treatment plan.

Sickness: Depending on the
part of your body being treated you may feel nauseous or be sick during your
course of treatment. This does not happen to everyone. If you do feel sick,
please tell your radiation oncologists or nurse as it can be controlled by
tablets or diet.

Diarrhoea: Radiotherapy to
pelvic or lower abdominal region may cause diarrhoea towards the end of the
treatment. Your doctor will prescribe medicines for the same. It is temporary
and relives with medicines or after finishing the radiotherapy treatment.

Urinary frequency
or urgency: If you are having treatment to your lower abdomen/pelvis you may find
that you pass urine more often and may experience discomfort when doing so. Drinking
extra fluids will help, but try to avoid alcohol, excessive tea and coffee as
these can irritate your bladder. If this happens to you please tell the staff
treating you, so that your urine can be tested for any infection, which could
then be treated with appropriate medication.

Sore mouth/ulcers
and throat: This happens only if you are having treatment to this part of your
body. If it is likely to be a problem, your radiation oncologist will explain
how to look after your mouth and throat, or give you advice on chewing and
swallowing difficulties.

Hair loss: Hair loss only
occurs where treatment is given. For example you will only lose the hair on
your head if your head is being treated, and you will lose your chest hair if
your chest is being treated. Whether or not it grows again will depend on how
much radiation you have been given. Your oncologist will explain what this
means for you. If your hair is expected to grow again, this should happen
within a few months of the end of your treatment.

Some side
effects will be long term like dryness of mouth and some will occur after a
long gap like rectal bleeding or shrinkage of scar, fibrosis, impaired hearing,
decreased sexual function, infertility, and cataract. These long term side
effects can be managed with medication or surgical intervention.