What are the long - term effects of radiation treatment?
- your skin might look darker than it was before in the treated area – as if it is suntanned
- your skin in the treatment area will always be slightly more sensitive to the sun
- your skin might feel different to touch
- your hair might grow back a different colour or texture in the treatment area
- you might have permanent hair loss within the treated area
What are the negative effects of radiation therapy?
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss in the treatment area
- Mouth changes such as soreness, dryness and difficulty swallowing (if radiation to head and neck area)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sexual impact (tenderness and soreness of genital organs if radiation to this area)
- Blood count changes
What to expect when having radiation therapy?
What to Expect During Radiation Therapy Treatment
- Before Radiation Therapy. At Affiliated Oncologists, each treatment plan is created to meet the individual needs of the patient, but there are some steps that are taken for each patient.
- During Radiation Therapy. There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation and internal radiation therapy.
- After Radiation Therapy. ...
What to expect during and after radiation treatments?
- Radiation cystitis. If the radiation damages the lining of the bladder, radiation cystitis can be a long-term problem that causes blood in the urine or pain when passing urine.
- Urinary incontinence. ...
- Fistulas. ...
How long does it take to recover from radiation therapy?
Most side effects generally go away within a few weeks to 2 months of finishing treatment. But some side effects may continue after treatment is over because it takes time for healthy cells to recover from the effects of radiation therapy. Late side effects can happen months or years after treatment.
Does radiation therapy affect the entire body when you receive the treatment?
Radiation therapy is called a local treatment. This means that it only affects the area of the body that is targeted. For example, radiation therapy to the scalp may cause hair loss. But people who have radiation therapy to other parts of their body do not usually lose the hair on their head.
What are three side effects of radiation?
Treatment areas and possible side effectsPart of the body being treatedPossible side effectsBrainFatigue Hair loss Memory or concentration problems Nausea and vomiting Skin changes Headache Blurry visionBreastFatigue Hair loss Skin changes Swelling (edema) Tenderness5 more rows•Jan 11, 2022
Does radiation make you sick?
Nausea and vomiting can occur after radiation therapy to the stomach, small intestine, colon or parts of the brain. Your risk for nausea and vomiting depends on how much radiation you are getting, how much of your body is in the treatment area, and whether you are also having chemotherapy.
What is the most common acute side effect of radiation treatment?
Fatigue is the most common acute side effect of radiation therapy. It is believed to be caused by the large amount of energy that is used by the body to heal itself in response to radiation therapy. Most people begin to feel fatigued about 2 weeks after radiation treatments begin.
What are the disadvantages of radiation therapy?
What are the disadvantages? Radiotherapy can cause side effects, including tiredness, sickness and runny poo (diarrhoea). If you have chemoradiotherapy, you may get side effects from the chemotherapy.
What are the long term side effects of radiation?
What are the most common long-term side effects of radiation?Cataracts.Hair loss.Hearing loss.Memory loss ("It's hard to determine how much memory loss or cognitive dysfunction is related to a tumor and how much is related to radiotherapy," says Dr. Nowlan.
Is radiation worse than chemo?
The radiation beams change the DNA makeup of the tumor, causing it to shrink or die. This type of cancer treatment has fewer side effects than chemotherapy since it only targets one area of the body.
Is radiation worth the risk?
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is a highly effective cancer treatment with wide-ranging uses. Radiation therapy leads to cancer cure in many patients (either alone or with other treatments) and relieves symptoms or prolongs survival in more advanced cancers.
What are 5 effects of radiation?
Radiation Effects on HumansDose (rem)Effects5-20Possible late effects; possible chromosomal damage.20-100Temporary reduction in white blood cells.100-200Mild radiation sickness within a few hours: vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue; reduction in resistance to infection.4 more rows
Is radiation treatment painful?
Does radiation therapy hurt? No, radiation therapy does not hurt while it is being given. But the side effects that people may get from radiation therapy can cause pain and discomfort. This booklet has a lot of information about ways that you and your doctor and nurse can help manage side effects.
How long after radiation do you start to feel better?
Radiation therapy is associated with harsh side effects, many of which don't emerge until months or years after treatment. Acute side effects occur and disappear within 14 days of treatment, but long-term effects like bone degeneration, skin ulcers, and bladder irritation take much longer to manifest.
If You’Re Getting Radiation Therapy to The Brain
People with brain tumors often get stereotactic radiosurgery (radiation given in one large dose) if the cancer is in only one or a few sites in the...
If You’Re Getting Radiation Therapy to The Head Or Neck
People who get radiation to the head and neck might have side effects such as: 1. Soreness (or even open sores) in the mouth or throat 2. Dry mouth...
If You’Re Getting Radiation Therapy to The Breast
If you have radiation to the breast, it can affect your heart or lungs as well causing other side effects.
If You’Re Getting Radiation Therapy to The Chest
Radiation treatment to the chest may cause side effects such as: 1. Sore throat 2. Swallowing problems 3. Loss of appetite 4. Cough 5. Shortness of...
If You’Re Getting Radiation Therapy to The Abdomen (Belly)
If you are getting radiation to your stomach or some part of the abdomen (belly), you may have side effects such as: 1. Nausea 2. Vomiting 3. Belly...
If You’Re Having Radiation Therapy to The Pelvis
Radiation therapy to the pelvis (for example, as treatment for bladder, ovarian, or prostate cancer) can cause side effects such as: 1. Bladder pro...
What Are The Side Effects of Radiation Therapy?
The side effects of radiation therapy depend on the area of the body that receives radiation. Early side effects happen shortly after you receive r...
What Causes The Side Effects of Radiation Therapy?
Radiation can destroy or harm healthy tissues during treatment. This may cause side effects to happen anywhere in the body where radiation therapy...
How Are Side Effects of Radiation Therapy Diagnosed and Treated?
1. Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and decide if they are side effects of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy may preven...
How Can I Manage My Symptoms?
1. Manage your fatigue. Do short periods of physical activity to help decrease fatigue. Walk for 15 to 30 minutes each day. You can also take a sho...
Where Can I Find More Information?
1. 1. American Cancer Society250 Williams StreetAtlanta , GA 30303Phone: 1- 800 - 227-2345Web Address: http://www.cancer.org 2. 1. National Cancer...
When Should I Seek Immediate Care?
1. Your heart feels like it is beating faster than usual or you have shortness of breath. 2. You have a headache, dizziness, or blurred vision. 3....
When Should I Contact My Healthcare Provider?
1. You have a fever. 2. The area of your skin where you received treatment blisters, peels, becomes more painful, or drains fluid. 3. You have trou...
How long does it take for a person to recover from radiation?
Skin changes. Urinary and bladder changes. Healthy cells that are damaged during radiation treatment usually recover within a few months after treatment is over. But sometimes people may have side effects that do not improve. Other side effects may show up months or years after radiation therapy is over.
Does radiation make you tired?
People feel fatigue in different ways and you may feel more or less fatigue than someone else who is getting the same amount of radiation therapy to the same part of the body. Other radiation therapy side effects you may have depend on the part of the body that is treated.
Does radiation therapy cause cancer?
Radiation Therapy Side Effects. Radiation not only kills or slows the growth of cancer cells, it can also affect nearby healthy cells. Damage to healthy cells can cause side effects. Many people who get radiation therapy have fatigue. Fatigue is feeling exhausted and worn out.
What causes the side effects of radiation therapy?
Radiation can destroy or harm healthy tissues during treatment. This may cause side effects to happen anywhere in the body where radiation therapy is given. Medicine may be given to protect healthy tissue and prevent side effects of radiation therapy.
How are side effects of radiation therapy diagnosed and treated?
Radiation therapy may prevent the bone marrow from making red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This may cause low blood counts. Low blood counts are diagnosed with a blood test.
How to deal with radiation side effects?
Talk to your healthcare provider if you feel angry, scared, helpless, depressed, or frustrated. There are medicines and therapies that can help you manage these side effects. Join a support group or talk to others that have been through radiation therapy.
What is the treatment for radiation?
You may be given medicine to treat nausea, vomiting, indigestion, or diarrhea. You may also be given medicine to treat problems in the mouth, or pain in the area that receives radiation. Lotions, ointments, or creams may be given to treat skin problems caused by radiation therapy.
What is the purpose of liquids in radiation?
Liquids may prevent dehydration caused by the side effects of radiation. You may need an oral rehydration solution (ORS). An ORS contains water, salts, and sugar that are needed to replace lost body fluids. Ask what kind of ORS to use, how much to drink, and where to get it.
How to treat mouth sores from radiation?
Use medicines as directed to decrease pain caused by mouth sores, and relieve dryness. Do not smoke or use products with nicotine. Drink plenty of liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you . Liquids may prevent dehydration caused by the side effects of radiation.
Can radiation therapy cause low blood count?
Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and decide if they are side effects of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy may prevent the bone marrow from making red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This may cause low blood counts. Low blood counts are diagnosed with a blood test.
What happens before radiation therapy treatment?
Each treatment plan is created to meet a patient's individual needs, but there are some general steps. You can expect these steps before beginning treatment:
What to expect when getting radiation therapy?
What to Expect When Having Radiation Therapy. It is normal to feel worried or overwhelmed when you learn that you will need radiation therapy. However, learning more about this type of cancer treatment may help you feel more prepared and comfortable.
What is the role of a dosimetrist in radiation?
Dosimetrist. The dosimetrist helps your radiation oncologist calculate the right dose of radiation.
What type of doctor is responsible for radiation therapy?
Radiation oncologist. This type of doctor specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer. A radiation oncologist oversees radiation therapy treatments. They work closely with other team members to develop the treatment plan. Radiation oncology nurse.
What is simulation in radiation therapy?
Simulating and planning treatment. Your first radiation therapy session is a simulation. This means it is a practice run without giving radiation therapy. Your team will use imaging scans to identify the tumor location.
What is radiation oncology nurse?
Radiation oncology nurse. This nurse specializes in caring for people receiving radiation therapy. A radiation oncology nurse plays many roles, including:
How long does radiation therapy last?
It is the most common radiation therapy treatment for cancer. Each session is quick, lasting about 15 minutes. Radiation does not hurt, sting, or burn when it enters the body.
How long after radiation can you dye your hair?
But if you’re having radiation to the head and neck area and experience hair loss, it’s best to wait a few months after your hair has grown back. Like the effects of chemotherapy, hair follicles and new hair are more delicate and prone to breakage.
Can you use birth control during radiation?
Yes, in many cases. It depends on the location of the radiation treatment and your general overall health. Cancer and cancer treatment can affect your self-image, emotional state, physical abilities and sexual interest . Keep in mind that you must use some type of birth control during radiation if you’re of childbearing age.
Can radiation patients get massages?
Talk to your doctor about whether it’s OK to get a massage. And, if your doctor says it’s OK, be sure to get a massage from someone who specializes in working with cancer patients. MD Anderson’s Integrative Medicine Center provides massages for eligible patients.
Can you work during radiation?
Many patients are able to work during their radiation treatment. Sometimes patients work during the first few weeks of treatment but need to take time off near the end due to side effects. It usually depends on the site of the body being treated, the type of radiation, the dose of radiation and if chemotherapy is also being administered. ...
Can you drink alcohol while on radiation?
In general, we recommend you limit alcohol intake during cancer treatment of any kind before, during and after cancer treatment. If you’re undergoing radiation to your head, neck, throat, esophagus or stomach, we ask that you abstain from alcohol since it can cause irritation and be physically uncomfortable.
Can you use sunscreen to protect yourself from radiation?
Yes, but cover the area that is being treated with radiation. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and wear special sun-protective clothing, including a hat, for others areas exposed to direct sunlight.
Can you take more than one multivitamin during radiation?
But typically, a single daily multivitamin during radiation therapy is fine. However, you shouldn’t take more than the recommended daily allowance. Pamela J. Schlembach is professor of Radiation Oncology at MD Anderson in The Woodlands. Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.
How does radiation help cancer?
When radiation is combined with surgery, it can be given: 1 Before surgery, to shrink the size of the cancer so it can be removed by surgery and be less likely to return. 2 During surgery, so that it goes straight to the cancer without passing through the skin. Radiation therapy used this way is called intraoperative radiation. With this technique, doctors can more easily protect nearby normal tissues from radiation. 3 After surgery to kill any cancer cells that remain.
Why do people with cancer need radiation?
Why People with Cancer Receive Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy is used to treat cancer and ease cancer symptoms . When used to treat cancer, radiation therapy can cure cancer, prevent it from returning, or stop or slow its growth. When treatments are used to ease symptoms, they are known as palliative treatments.
What is intraoperative radiation therapy?
During surgery, so that it goes straight to the cancer without passing through the skin. Radiation therapy used this way is called intraoperative radiation.
What is the treatment for cancer pain?
Pain from cancer that has spread to the bone can be treated with systemic radiation therapy drugs called radiopharmaceuticals.
What is targeted radiotherapy?
Another type of systemic radiation therapy, called targeted radionuclide therapy, is used to treat some patients who have advanced prostate cancer or gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (GEP-NET). This type of treatment may also be referred to as molecular radiotherapy.
What is the best radiation treatment for thyroid cancer?
A systemic radiation therapy called radioactive iodine, or I-131, is most often used to treat certain types of thyroid cancer.
What is external beam radiation therapy?
External Beam Radiation Therapy. External beam radiation therapy comes from a machine that aims radiation at your cancer. The machine is large and may be noisy. It does not touch you, but can move around you, sending radiation to a part of your body from many directions.
How does radiation damage cells?
Radiation therapy damages cells by destroying the genetic material that controls how cells grow and divide. While both healthy and cancerous cells are damaged by radiation therapy, the goal of radiation therapy is to destroy as few normal, healthy cells as possible.
Why do people get radiation therapy?
Why it's done. More than half of all people with cancer receive radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment. Doctors use radiation therapy to treat just about every type of cancer. Radiation therapy is also useful in treating some noncancerous (benign) tumors.
What is the treatment for cancer?
Radiation therapy. External beam radiation uses high-powered beams of energy to kill cancer cells. Beams of radiation are precisely aimed at the cancer using a machine that moves around your body. Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses beams of intense energy to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy most often uses X-rays, but ...
What type of radiation is used in X-rays?
The term "radiation therapy" most often refers to external beam radiation therapy. During this type of radiation, the high-energy beams come from a machine outside of your body that aims the beams at a precise point on your body.
What is external beam radiation therapy?
During external beam radiation therapy, you're positioned on a table and a large machine moves around you sending beams of radiation into precise points in your body.
What is the purpose of radiation beams?
The precise dose and focus of radiation beams used in your treatment is carefully planned to maximize the radiation to your cancer cells and minimize the harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
How long does it take for cancer to respond to radiation?
In some cases, your cancer may respond to treatment right away. In other cases, it may take weeks or months for your cancer to respond.
Why do doctors recommend radiation therapy?
If your cancer care team recommends radiation treatment, it’s because they believe that the benefits you’ll get from it will outweigh the possible side effects. Still, this is your decision to make. Knowing as much as you can about the possible benefits and risks can help you be sure that radiation therapy is best for you.
What is radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves, such as x-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons, to destroy or damage cancer cells .
Who gives radiation therapy treatments?
During your radiation therapy, a team of highly trained medical professionals will care for you. Your team may include these people:
Does radiation therapy affect pregnancy or fertility?
Females: It’s important not to become pregnant while getting radiation – it can harm the growing baby. If there’s a chance you might become pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor about birth control options.
How is radiation given?
Radiation therapy can be given in 3 ways: 1 External radiation (or external beam radiation): uses a machine that directs high-energy rays from outside the body into the tumor. It’s done during outpatient visits to a hospital or treatment center. It's usually given over many weeks and sometimes will be given twice a day for several weeks. A person receiving external radiation is not radioactive and does not have to follow special safety precautions at home. 2 Internal radiation: Internal radiation is also called brachytherapy. A radioactive source is put inside the body into or near the tumor. With some types of brachytherapy, radiation might be placed and left in the body to work. Sometimes it is placed in the body for a period of time and then removed. This is decided based on the type of cancer. Special safety precautions are needed for this type of radiation for a period of time. But it's important to know if the internal radiation is left in the body, after a while it eventually is no longer radioactive. 3 Systemic radiation: Radioactive drugs given by mouth or put into a vein are used to treat certain types of cancer. These drugs then travel throughout the body. You might have to follow special precautions at home for a period of time after these drugs are given.
What is the treatment for cancer that has returned?
To treat cancer that has returned (recurred) If a person's cancer has returned (recurred), radiation might be used to treat the cancer or to treat symptoms caused by advanced cancer. Whether radiation will be used after recurrence depends on many factors.
Why do people get radiation to their head?
This is done to help prevent cancer from spreading to the head even before it can.
What are the side effects of radiation therapy?
Potential complications and side effects of radiation therapy vary depending on the type and dose of radiation, and the body area needing treatment. Side effects are usually temporary, and some people experience no side effects.
Why is radiation therapy performed?
Doctors use radiation therapy most often to treat cancer. Your doctor may recommend radiotherapy to:
How do I prepare for radiation therapy?
You are an important member of your own healthcare team. The steps you take before your treatment can improve your comfort and outcome.
What is external beam radiation therapy?
External beam radiation therapy delivers radiation from a machine outside the body to treat many types of cancer. A radiation oncologist or technician directs the radiation beam precisely at the tumor or cancer. Stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife and CyberKnife) and proton therapy are specialized types of external beam radiation therapy.
How does radiation therapy help cancer?
To minimize radiation treatment side effects, a radiation oncologist uses specialized equipment and techniques to precisely target your tumor and reduce damage to healthy cells. Radiation therapy is only one method to treat cancer and other conditions.
What is radioactive iodine used for?
For example, a radiation oncologist uses radioactive iodine to treat thyroid cancer and radioactive antibodies to treat certain cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Radiopharmaceuticals can also treat certain brain tumors and bone pain from bone cancer.
Where is the radiation placed?
Internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy involves placing a radioactive material directly inside your tumor or right next to your tumor or cancer. For example, a radiation oncologist places radioactive seed implants at the prostate gland to treat prostate cancer.
