what are the side effects from radiation treatment

What are the top 10 positive effects of radiation?

7 rows · Radiation not only kills or slows the growth of cancer cells, it can also affect nearby healthy ...

What are the negative effects of radiation therapy?

If the cancer is in many areas, sometimes the whole brain is treated with radiation. The side effects of whole brain radiation therapy may not be noticeable until a few weeks after treatment begins. Radiation to the brain can cause these short-term side effects: Headaches; Hair loss; Nausea; Vomiting; Extreme tiredness (fatigue) Hearing loss

What are the dangers of radiation treatment?

What are site-specific side effects of radiation therapy? Some side effects depend on the type and location of where radiation therapy is directed at on the body. Head and neck. Radiation therapy aimed at a person’s head or neck may cause these side effects: Dry mouth. Mouth and gum sores. Difficulty swallowing. Stiffness in the jaw. Nausea. Hair loss

What are the advantages and disadvantages of radiation therapy?

Dec 16, 2021 · In general, radiation side effects tend to develop as treatment goes on and may be more troubling toward or after the end of treatment. Overall, the most common side effects of radiation are fatigue, redness, swelling, and skin peeling in the area being treated.

How long does it take to recover from radiation therapy?

Side effects can happen any time during, immediately after or a few days or weeks after radiation therapy. Most side effects generally go away within a few weeks to 2 months of finishing treatment.

How long does a person live after radiation?

Following treatment with stereotactic radiation, more than eight in ten patients (84%) survived at least 1 year, and four in ten (43%) survived 5 years or longer. The median overall survival (OS) time was 42.3 months.Jan 31, 2019

What are the negative effects of radiation therapy?

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....Fatigue.Hair loss.Skin changes.Swelling (edema)Tenderness.Jan 11, 2022

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

What can you not do during radiation treatment?

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

Is radiation therapy 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.

Is radiation worse than chemotherapy?

Since radiation therapy is focused on one area of your body, you may experience fewer side effects than with chemotherapy. However, it may still affect healthy cells in your body.Mar 27, 2020

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.Oct 25, 2016

Do tumors grow back after radiation?

Normal cells close to the cancer can also become damaged by radiation, but most recover and go back to working normally. If radiotherapy doesn't kill all of the cancer cells, they will regrow at some point in the future.Jul 6, 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

What can I expect after my first radiation treatment?

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. Late side effects can take months or even years to develop.Dec 10, 2020

Does radiation lower your 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

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...

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

How long does it take for side effects to show after radiation?

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. Rarely, it may be necessary to wait until the skin heals before continuing chemotherapy.

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 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.

Do side effects of cancer go away?

Most side effects go away after treatment. But some continue, come back, or develop later. These are called long-term or late effects. One possible late effect is the development of a second cancer. This is a new type of cancer that develops because of the original cancer treatment. The risk of this late effect is low.

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 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.

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.

How to reduce fatigue?

Do short periods of physical activity to help decrease fatigue. Walk for 15 to 30 minutes each day. You can also take a short bike ride or ride an exercise bike. Take short naps throughout the day. Do not sleep for more than 1 hour at a time during the day.

Does radiation cause low blood count?

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. Treatment depends on what area of the body is affected.

What is oral rehydration solution?

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. Wear a wig, head scarf, or hat to cover your head.

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.

What are the side effects of radiation therapy?

While there are no absolutes when it comes to how you will react to radiation therapy, these are the most common side effects of treatment: Fatigue. Fatigue is perhaps the most common side effect of radiation therapy.

How does radiation affect skin?

Radiation patients often report skin issues such as peeling or blistering skin, as well as dryness, flaky skin, and itchiness in the area receiving radiation therapy. Skin issues usually diminish in the weeks following treatment. Women undergoing radiation therapy can experience varying symptoms depending on age.

What is the purpose of radiation therapy?

The primary aim of radiation is to eradicate as many tumor cells as necessary without causing harm to healthy cells.

What happens when you get radiation on your head?

Radiation aimed at the head, mouth, and neck can result in extreme dry mouth, sores in the mouth, jaw stiffness, nausea, difficulty swallowing, tooth decay, and inflammation (or lymphedema) caused by localized fluid retention due to a compromised lymphatic system .

Can radiation cause nausea?

Radiation therapy conducted in the stomach or abdominal region can result in nausea and vomiting, as well as diarrhea and digestive discomfort. Incontinence. If radiation therapy is directed towards the pelvis bladder irritation, urinary urgency, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding can occur. Cough and breathing issues.

What is radiation oncology?

Radiation oncologists are trained to deliver the right dose of radiation to the right body part on the correct schedule. They work to minimize side effects and limit overall radiation exposure so you can receive the correct dose of radiation to sterilize cancer cells while minimizing the effects on your normal, healthy cells.

Can radiation cause long term side effects?

Your risk of long-term side effects may increase with the amount of radiation you receive. Some people have a rare inherited disease that causes them to heal poorly from radiotherapy.

Is radiation therapy bad for cancer?

Long-term side effects of radiation therapy. If you have undergone radiation therapy (radiotherapy) for cancer treatment, it is normal to have concerns about potential long-term side effects. Fortunately, not everyone experiences side effects and for those who do, side effects are rarely serious.

Can radiation therapy help cancer patients?

We can treat cancer cells that remain even after chemotherapy or surgery, or shrink tumors before surgery or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is capable of helping someone who could have died from cancer and giving them their life back.".

Who is Adam Nowlan?

Adam Nowlan, M.D., a radiation oncologist at Piedmont, shares the overall benefits of radiotherapy, the most common signs to watch for after treatment and when to see your doctor.