6 Long-Term Radiation Side Effects You Should Know
- Breast Fibrosis. Fibrosis is a term that means a thickening or scarring of connective tissues, and many women naturally have fibroids and simple cysts in their breasts already — they ...
- Lymphedema and Edema. ...
- Telangiectasia. ...
- Heart and lung problems. ...
- Nerve problems. ...
- Secondary cancer. ...
How soon might you get side effects from radiation therapy?
What are the most common long-term side effects of radiation? "Generally, the side effects of radiotherapy are related only to the area of the body that was treated," says Dr. Nowlan. "The only long-term side effect of radiation that occurs outside the area that was treated is some lingering mild fatigue , which typically fades within three to six months."
How long does it take to recover from radiation treatment?
Radiation to the head and neck has the potential to create the following long-term side effects (this is an incomplete list; speak to your doctor about other risks): Cataracts; Cavities; Tooth decay; Cognitive and memory problems; Hypothyroidism; Secondary cancers (in other words, the radiation can cause new cancers down the road) Radiation to the Chest
What are the negative effects of radiation therapy?
Mar 06, 2016 · Long-Term Damage. The type of radiation damage depends on what part of the body was targeted for treatments. • Central nervous system-Radiation therapy exposure to the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves may lead to an increased risk of developing a stroke, a brain tumor or various types of nerve malfunction.
How long does radiation stay in your body after treatment?
Most of these problems get better over time, but radiation therapy can cause longer-term side effects as well: 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.
What are the long-term effects of radiation therapy?
Radiation to the brain can also have side effects that show up later – usually from 6 months to many years after treatment ends. These delayed effects can include serious problems such as memory loss, stroke-like symptoms, and poor brain function.Dec 10, 2020
Can radiation affect you years later?
After having radiotherapy, there is a small risk you will have side effects that: do not get better after treatment – these are called long‑term side effects. only start months or years later – these are called late side effects.
Can you fully recover from radiation?
The healthy cells almost always recover after treatment is over. But sometimes people may have side effects that are severe or do not get better. Other side effects may show up months or years after radiation therapy is over.
How long does radiation stay in your body after treatment?
For most people, the cancer experience doesn't end on the last day of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy usually does not have an immediate effect, and it could take days, weeks or months to see any change in the cancer. The cancer cells may keep dying for weeks or months after the end of treatment.
Does radiation therapy shorten lifespan?
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other cancer treatments cause aging at a genetic and cellular level, prompting DNA to start unraveling and cells to die off sooner than normal. Bone marrow transplant recipients are eight times more likely to become frail than their healthy siblings.Dec 18, 2017
Does radiation cause permanent damage?
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause long-term side effects to the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. These include: Hearing loss from high doses of chemotherapy, especially drugs like cisplatin (multiple brand names) Increased risk of stroke from high doses of radiation to the brain.
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.6 days ago
Which is worse chemo or radiation?
A systemic treatment like chemotherapy or liquid radiation may have more off-target side effects than a local treatment. But local treatments that are administered only to the cancer site, like external beam radiation or solid internal radiation treatment, may have more extreme side effects in that area of the body.Sep 25, 2021
What should I avoid after radiation?
Avoid raw vegetables and fruits, and other hard, dry foods such as chips or pretzels. It's also best to avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods if you are experiencing these symptoms. Your care team can recommend nutrient-based oral care solutions if you are experiencing mucositis or mouth sores caused by cancer treatment.Nov 8, 2021
What are the worst side effects of radiotherapy?
Treatment areas and possible side effectsPart of the body being treatedPossible side effectsHead and NeckFatigue Hair loss Mouth problems Skin changes Taste changes Throat problems, such as trouble swallowing Less active thyroid gland6 more rows•Jan 11, 2022
Does radiation affect immune system?
Radiation therapy can potentially affect your immune system, especially if a significant amount of bone marrow is being irradiated because of its role in creating white blood cells. However, this doesn't typically suppress the immune system enough to make you more susceptible to infections.Jan 22, 2020
What are 5 harmful 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
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?
Several variables can increase or decrease your risk of developing long-term side effects of radiotherapy. Some of these are: 2 1 Your age at the time of radiation 2 The dose of radiation you receive 3 The number of treatment sessions 4 The type of cancer treated 5 The area of the body that receives radiation 6 Other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy 7 Other health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes
What happens if you get radiation on your head?
Radiation to the head and neck region can damage to the salivary glands and tear ducts. This damage may result in permanent dry mouth or dry eyes. 16 Cataracts and dental decay may also be problems.
What is radiation fibrosis?
Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome. Radiation fibrosis can be thought of simplistically as the loss of elasticity in tissues after radiation, due to permanent scarring. Many of the side effects below are caused by this fibrosis, which can occur in nearly any region of the body. 7 .
When was radiation therapy first used?
Despite possible long-term side effects of radiation treatment, it's essential to point out that radiation therapy has come a long since it was introduced in 1903 , especially in recent years. With more precise dosing and newer methods of delivery, older studies may overestimate the risks.
Can radiation cause hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is one of the more common late effects of radiation therapy when radiation treatment involves the neck, head, and chest. 5 . Immunotherapy drugs also increase the risk of hypothyroidism, so that those who have received both of these treatments should be extra aware of the possibility. 6 .
How does radiation therapy work?
Radiation therapy works by damaging DNA in cells. This damage isn't isolated to cancer cells, though; normal cells can be damaged as well. While radiation therapy has improved significantly such that less damage occurs to healthy cells than in the past, some healthy tissues are inevitably exposed. 2
Does radiation cause cancer?
Radiation therapy may also increase later risk of solid tumors , especially thyroid cancer and breast cancer. Unlike blood-related cancers, the risk is highest 10 to 15 years or more after treatment is finished. 13
What are the side effects of radiation?
Radiation to the head and neck has the potential to create the following long-term side effects (this is an incomplete list; speak to your doctor about other risks): 1 Cataracts 2 Cavities 3 Tooth decay 4 Cognitive and memory problems 5 Hypothyroidism 6 Secondary cancers (in other words, the radiation can cause new cancers down the road)
Is radiation used for breast cancer?
Radiation to the chest area is not uncommon for breast cancer, and is occasionally used in Hodgkin's lymphoma and some B-cell lymphomas where there is a bulky mass in the chest region.
Does radiation affect the head and neck?
Radiation to the Head and Neck. Radiation to the head and neck has the potential to create the following long-term side effects (this is an incomplete list; speak to your doctor about other risks): Secondary cancers (in other words, the radiation can cause new cancers down the road)
Does radiation damage cells?
Radiation and Cell Damage. Radiation does tremendous damage to our cells. That's good news if referring to tumors, but if radiation is directed at a tumor in the chest, it is also exposing the patient's internal organs in that region to radiation – and doing potential damage to the organs.
Is radiation therapy safe for cancer patients?
Radiation therapy was and remains a major breakthrough in cancer treatment in general, but doctors and researchers are quick to caution that there are side effects from this therapy which should not be taken lightly.
How long does radiation side effects last?
Remember that the type of radiation side effects you might have depends on the prescribed dose and schedule. Most side effects go away within a few months of ending treatment. Some side effects may continue after treatment ends because it takes time for the healthy cells to recover from radiation. Side effects might limit your ability ...
What happens if you get radiation treatment?
After a few weeks, your skin might become dry, flaky, or itchy, or it may peel. This is sometimes called radiation dermatitis.
What is the best treatment for radiation?
One way to reduce side effects is by using radioprotective drugs, but these are only used for certain types of radiation given to certain parts of the body. These drugs are given before radiation treatment to protect certain normal tissues in the treatment area. The one most commonly used today is amifostine. This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy.
What are the side effects of brachytherapy?
If your treatment includes brachytherapy (internal radiation implants), you might notice breast tenderness, tightness, redness, and bruising. You may also have some of the same side effects that happen with external radiation treatment.
How long does it take for radiation to cause side effects?
Late side effects can take months or even years to develop. They can occur in any normal tissue in the body that has received radiation. The risk of late side effects depends on the area treated as well as the radiation dose that was used. Careful treatment planning can help avoid serious long-term side effects.
Can radiation therapy cause low blood count?
Rarely, radiation therapy can cause changes in your blood count levels. These blood cells help your body fight infection and prevent bleeding. If your blood tests show low blood counts, your treatment might be stopped for a week or so to allow your blood counts to return to normal. This side effect is more likely if you’re also getting chemotherapy.
How long does it take for brain tumors to show up?
Side effects depend on where the radiation is aimed. Some side effects might show up quickly, but others might not show up until 1 to 2 years after treatment.
How long does it take for side effects to show up after radiation?
Some side affects won’t show up until months or years after your treatment. If you have a higher dose of radiation, your chances of getting side effects are more likely — but if you get too low of a dose of radiation, it won’t be as effective against the cancer and could leave cancer cells alive. Here are some long-term side effects to be aware of.
What is the treatment for breast cancer?
This may include surgery like a lumpectomy or mastectomy, hormone therapy, chemo therapy, or radiation (also called radiotherapy).
Does radiation affect breasts?
Because of the location of your heart and lungs in relation to your breasts, radiation has the potential to cause heart and lung problems down the road — though this is far less common than the other side effects we’ve covered, as radiation has improved significantly over the years.
How long does it take for fibrosis to develop?
Fibrosis usually develops within the first two years after treatment, but in rare cases, it can crop up as much as ten years later. Your breast may start out feeling inflamed or tender, and then gradually harden.
Can radiation be used before surgery?
Radiation can be used on its own or in combination with other treatments or surgeries, and can be used before or after a surgery, depending on the stage of your cancer and your doctors’ recommendations. Despite its many positive attributes though, it is often misunderstood by breast cancer patients.
What is the swelling of the lymph nodes?
Another type of swelling called lymphedema is more common, and is a result of either lymph node removal surgery (which has nothing to do with radiation), or radiation that has damaged nearby lymph nodes. Lymphedema presents as swelling of the affected area, as the lymph nodes can no longer drain fluid properly.
Can lymphedema be cured?
Lymphedema presents as swelling of the affected area, as the lymph nodes can no longer drain fluid properly. Common areas where swelling may occur include the arm, hands, fingers, back, and chest. There is no cure for lymphedema, but there are ways to mitigate the pain and swelling, as we explain here.
What are the long term side effects of radiotherapy?
Depending on the area of the body you have treated, you might have any of these long term side effects after radiotherapy: you might develop red spidery marks on your skin ( telangiectasia) caused by small broken blood vessels. drainage channels to the arms or legs can become partly blocked resulting in ...
Why do I feel breathless after cancer treatment?
you may have an increase in breathlessness due to your lungs being less stretchy, after treatment to the lungs or chest. narrowing of the food pipe (oesophagus) making it difficult to swallow, after treatment to your neck or chest. Coping with cancer.
Why do I have red spots on my legs?
you might develop red spidery marks on your skin (telangiectasia) caused by small broken blood vessels. drainage channels to the arms or legs can become partly blocked resulting in swelling called lymphoedema.
Why do I have to pee more often?
Fibrosis may cause any of the following: your bladder could become less stretchy and hold less urine after treatment to your abdomen, so you need to pass urine more often. you may have an increase in breathlessness due to your lungs being less stretchy, after treatment to the lungs or chest.
What is it called when you feel tingling in your legs?
tingling, weakness or loss of sensation in one or both legs – this is very rare and is called radiotherapy induced lumbosacral plexopathy (RILP) we aker pelvic bones - you might have a DEXA scan to check them. These changes can gradually appear over a long time, sometimes several years. Talk to your doctor if you had radiotherapy in ...
Does radiotherapy affect the body?
It is important to remember that radiotherapy only affects the area of the body being treated. Changes to a part of the body outside the treatment area won't have been caused by the radiotherapy.
How long after radiation therapy do side effects occur?
Rare long-term side effects. Although rare with modern treatment, the side effects below may occur a few months or years after radiation therapy.
How long does it take for side effects to go away after radiation?
Once radiation therapy ends, short-term side effects will mostly go away within 2 weeks [ 9 ]. Let your radiation oncologist or nurse know how the sessions are making you feel. They may be able to recommend creams or other interventions ...
How to treat lymphedema in breast?
The chances of getting lymphedema are greater if your treatment includes both [ 5,15-18 ]: 1 Removal of axillary nodes during breast cancer surgery (the more nodes removed, the greater the risk) 2 Radiation therapy to the axillary or supraclavicular (above the collarbone) lymph nodes
How to contact Komen for breast cancer?
If you or a loved one needs more information about breast health or breast cancer, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636).
What to do if your breast is sore after breast cancer treatment?
During and just after treatment, your treated breast may be sore. Talk with your health care provider about using mild pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen to ease breast tenderness.
What causes a swollen arm?
Lymphedema is a condition in which fluid collects in the arm, causing it to swell. Swelling may also occur in the breast, chest or back. The chances of getting lymphedema are greater if your treatment includes both [ 5,15-18 ]: Being overweight also increases the risk of lymphedema [ 5,15-17 ].
How long does fatigue last after radiation?
Fatigue. Fatigue is common during radiation therapy and may last for several weeks after treatment ends. Fatigue is mainly a short-term problem, but for some, it can persist [ 10-11 ]. You may feel like you don’t have any energy and may feel tired all of the time. Resting may not help.
How does radiation therapy work?
Radiation therapy works by use of high doses of radiation to kill or slow down its growth rate. In prostate cancer treatment it is used to kill the cancerous cells or slow the growth rate. It also kills the nearby healthy cells as it kills the cancerous cells. Where curing the cancer is impossible, radiotherapy is used to reduce ...
Why is radiotherapy used for cancer?
Where curing the cancer is impossible, radiotherapy is used to reduce the symptoms such as pain caused by cancer tumor. It can also be used to prevent the problems that result from cancer tumor such as loss of bowel and bladder control, blindness etc. Here are different types of radiations and how they work:
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a serious condition of the prostate gland that affects the elderly men. It is accompanied by various symptoms that are undesirable and frustrating to deal with. If untreated, it leads to the death of the prostate cancer patient. To prevent the undesirable effects of prostate cancer, there are various treatment procedures ...
What is the treatment for cancer called?
This therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a cancer treatment procedure that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancerous cells and shrink the tumor as well. At low doses, this procedure is used as an x-ray.
Can EBRT be used for prostate cancer?
When combined with EBRT, it is used in men with high risk of cancer growing outside the prostate gland. It is not suitable for men with a large prostate gland. Various types of Brachytherapy: Permanent (low dose rate) brachytherapy. PTemporary (high dose rate) brachytherapy.
What is EBRT prostate?
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) In this type of therapy, a machine outside the body is used to focus the beams of radiation on the prostate gland. It is used to treat early stages of cancer and helps to relieve you from symptoms such as pain.
Can radiation therapy be used for prostate cancer?
Here are some of the situations in which radiation therapy may be used: As the first treatment of cancer, which is still confined to the prostate gland. It is used along with hormone therapy during the first treatment for prostate cancer that has extended the nearby tissues. After the reoccurrence of cancer in the area, it was before surgery.
Mechanism of action
Risks
- Several variables can increase or decrease your risk of developing long-term side effects of radiotherapy. Some of these include: The following are some possible long-term side effects of radiation treatment but it's essential to point out that radiation therapy has improved in recent years; and a very long way since it was introduced to treat cancer in 1903. With more precise do…
Prognosis
- At the same time, as people are living longer with cancer, the long-term effects of radiation will become increasingly important. It's estimated that 50 percent of people diagnosed with cancer will receive radiation therapy at some point in their journey.
Pathophysiology
- Radiation fibrosis can be thought of simplistically as the loss of elasticity in tissues after radiation, due to permanent scarring. Many of the side effects below are caused by this fibrosis which can occur in nearly any region of the body.
Overview
- Lung fibrosis is a permanent scarring of the lungs which can result from untreated radiation pneumonitis. Radiation pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lungs which occurs one to six months after completing radiation therapy to the chest and happens in roughly a fourth of people treated with radiation for lung cancer. Since the symptoms can mimic symptoms due to cancer, …
Prevention
- Thankfully, newer techniques such as respiratory gating (controlled breathing designed to minimize the exposure of the heart to radiation) are becoming available, which may lower the risk of this complication. There are a number of things you can do yourself in addition to precautions taken by your doctor to reduce your risk of long term complications related to radiation therapy.
Adverse effects
- Radiation therapy, especially radiation to the brain, to the base of the skull, and to the neck may result in cognitive problems such as memory loss and difficulty concentrating. Radiation oncologists now frequently treat people with a medication (one ordinarily used for Alzeimers) during radiation therapy and this has been found to reduce cognitive problems later on.
Effects
- Osteoporosis/Fractures: Radiation may result in weakening of the bones, osteoporosis, and osteonecrosis. For example, radiation to the chest may result in the ribs becoming fractured more easily.
Symptoms
- Muscles/joints/nerves/ligaments: Radiation can affect the muscles and supporting structures of the musculoskeletal system resulting in restricted mobility, pain, and numbness.
Signs and symptoms
- Soft tissue: Permanent darkening of the skin, telangiectasias (spidery red marks) and permanent hair loss may occur with radiation. Radiation may also result in lymphedema, swelling that occurs as the result of damage to the lymph channels, for example, the arm swelling seen in some women who have had breast cancer.
Safety
- Damage to the salivary glands and tear ducts from radiation to the head and neck region may result in permanent dry mouth or dry eyes.