what are the reactions to radiation treatment

How long does it take to recover from radiation treatment?

The general effects of radiation therapy like fatigue, nausea, and headaches resolve fairly quickly after treatment. Your body just needs time to process the radiation but can recover within a few weeks. Delayed side effects of radiation therapy, on the other hand, may require further treatment to alleviate.

What are the adverse effects of radiation therapy?

With that said, some common side effects of radiation therapy for lung cancer include:

• General weakness and fatigue
• Dry, red, itchy or peeling skin
• Shortness of breath
• Swallowing difficulties
• Sore throat
• Shoulder stiffness
• Radiation pneumonitis (coughing, fever and a sensation of fullness in the chest that can occur several weeks or months after radiation therapy)
• Radiation fibrosis (lung scarring)

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. ...

What is the success rate of radiation therapy?

When it comes to early stages of disease, patients very frequently do well with either brachytherapy or external beam radiation. Success rates of around 90% or higher can be achieved with either approach.

What are the most common side effects of radiation therapy?

Early and late effects of radiation therapy The most common early side effects are fatigue (feeling tired) and skin changes. Other early side effects usually are related to the area being treated, such as hair loss and mouth problems when radiation treatment is given to this area.

How long do radiation side effects last after treatment?

Most side effects go away within 1–2 months after you have finished radiation therapy.

How soon after radiation treatment do side effects start?

Reactions to the radiation therapy often start during the second or third week of treatment. Or, they may last for several weeks after the final treatment. Some side effects may be long term. Talk with your treatment team about what to expect.

How does radiation treatment affect the body?

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.

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

What should you avoid during 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.

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.

How does radiation make you feel?

Radiation does not hurt, sting, or burn when it enters the body. You will hear clicking or buzzing throughout the treatment and there may be a smell from the machine. Typically, people have treatment sessions 5 times per week, Monday through Friday.

What does radiation fatigue feel like?

Feeling very tired and lacking energy (fatigue) for day-to-day activities is the most common side effect of radiation therapy to any area of the body. During treatment, your body uses a lot of energy dealing with the effects of radiation on normal cells.

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.

Does radiation therapy make you sick?

Radiation therapy near the abdomen, pelvic region or head – you may feel sick (nauseated), with or without vomiting, for several hours after each treatment. Your radiation oncologist may prescribe medicine (antiemetic) to take at home before and after each session to prevent nausea.

What is the success rate of radiation therapy?

“When patients are treated with modern external-beam radiation therapy, the overall cure rate was 93.3% with a metastasis-free survival rate at 5 years of 96.9%.

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 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.

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 ...

How long does it take for radiation to show up in the brain?

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.

What is the most common drug used for radiation therapy?

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. Not all doctors agree on how these drugs should be used in radiation therapy. These drugs have their own side effects, too, so be sure you understand what to look for.

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 to take care of your mouth during radiation?

Here are some tips that may help you manage mouth problems: Avoid spicy and rough foods, such as raw vegetables, dry crackers, and nuts.

What are the side effects of radiation therapy?

Late side effects of radiation therapy may be permanent. Early and late side effects may include any of the following: Fatigue or loss of energy. Pain in the area of the body that is being treated. Skin changes such as a sunburn or red skin. Hair loss in the area receiving radiation. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or indigestion.

How to manage radiation side effects?

You can do the following to help get enough nutrition and manage the side effects of radiation: Eat 6 to 8 small meals per day. Eat foods high in protein and calories. Do not eat foods that increase side effects.

How does radiation affect your mental health?

Radiation therapy can affect your emotional and mental health. 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 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 cover your head from radiation?

Wear a wig, head scarf, or hat to cover your head. You may have hair loss on your head if your head or neck receives radiation therapy. Hair loss may be difficult to deal with. Talk to your healthcare provider about where you can get a hairpiece or wig. Get support.

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 damage healthy tissue?

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.

What are the side effects of radiation therapy?

Head and neck. Radiation therapy aimed at a person’s head or neck may cause these side effects: Dry mouth. Mouth and gum sores.

How long do side effects of radiation last?

Other people experience more severe side effects. Reactions to the radiation therapy often start during the second or third week of treatment. Or, they may last for several weeks after the final treatment. Some side effects may be long term.

Why do people use radiation therapy?

High doses of radiation therapy are used to destroy cancer cells. Side effects come from damage to healthy cells and tissues near the treatment area. There have been major research advances in radiation therapy in recent years that have made it more precise.

How long does it take for a radiation reaction to show up?

Typically, these side effects start within days or weeks of radiation therapy. But they can also appear months or years later. Doctors treat radiation recall with medications called corticosteroids.

What is radiation recall?

Radiation recall is a rash that looks like a severe sunburn. It is rare and happens when certain types of chemotherapy are given during or soon after external-beam radiation therapy. The rash appears on the part of the body that received radiation.

What is the best way to treat cancer side effects?

Preventing and treating side effects is an important part of your overall cancer treatment. This is called palliative care or supportive care. Before treatment begins, ask what side effects are likely from the specific type of treatment you are receiving and when they may happen.

Does radiation cause hair loss?

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 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.

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.

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.

Why is it important to be in the same position for radiation?

It is important for your body to be in the same position for each treatment. Your radiation oncology team cares about your comfort. Talk with the team to find a comfortable position that you can be in every time you come in for radiation therapy.

How often should you check for radiation?

During your treatment, your radiation oncologist will check how well it is working. Typically, this will happen at least once a week. If needed, they may adjust your treatment plan.

What is informed consent for radiation?

Giving permission for radiation therapy. If you choose to receive radiation therapy, your health care team will ask you to sign an "informed consent" form. Signing the document means: Your team gave you information about your treatment options. You choose to have radiation therapy.

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.

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 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.

How long does radiation treatment last?

Expect each treatment session to last approximately 10 to 30 minutes. In some cases, a single treatment may be used to help relieve pain or other symptoms associated with more-advanced cancers. During a treatment session, you'll lie down in the position determined during your radiation simulation session.

Do you lie still during radiation?

It's imperative that you lie still during treatment, so finding a comfortable position is vital. To do this, you'll lie on the same type of table that's used during radiation therapy. Cushions and restraints are used to position you in the right way and to help you hold still.

How long does it take for skin to react to radiation?

Skin Reactions From Radiation. Each time radiation therapy is given, small amounts are absorbed by the skin in the area being treated. About 2 to 3 weeks after your first radiation treatment, you may notice redness and/or irritation in the area of treatment. It may look like a sunburn.

What does it look like after radiation?

It may look like a sunburn. The skin may be itchy, dry, red or sore. These changes are an expected part of your therapy and are temporary. Your team will look at your skin to monitor for changes. In some cases, you may need to stop radiation treatments for a short period to allow the skin to heal.

How to treat a swollen face with Neutrogena?

Avoid rubbing with a washcloth or bath scrubbies/sponges. Use the palm of your hand to gently wash the skin in the treatment area. Dry skin gently. Pat, don't rub, using a soft towel.

Do you need special treatment for radiation?

Minor skin reactions caused by radiation therapy do not often need any special treatment. They should be brought to the attention of your radiation team. If, however, the skin reactions become worse or if you sustain additional damage to your skin, treatment may be needed.

Can you smoke while on radiation treatment?

Do not smoke. Smoking has been found to worsen radiation related skin reactions. Talk to your treatment team before swimming, including chlorinated pools, hot tubs and non-chlorinated water (lakes, rivers). Check the skin in the treatment area daily.