what is the side effects of 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?

Common general side effects of radiation therapy Fatigue. Fatigue is feeling tired physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s very common for people with cancer and... Skin problems. Your skin in the radiation treatment area might look red, irritated, …

What are the dangers of radiation treatment?

Common physical side effects of radiation therapy include: Skin changes. Some people who receive radiation therapy experience dryness, itching, blistering, or peeling. These side effects depend on which part of the body received radiation therapy and other factors.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of radiation therapy?

Brachial plexopathy can happen when radiation damages nerves in the upper chest. It may cause permanent tingling, pain and weakness in the affected hand and arm. Nerve problems are very rare with modern treatment. Radiation therapy and risk of a second cancer In rare cases, radiation therapy to the breast can cause a second cancer.

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

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 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

How long does it take to recover from radiation?

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.

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 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

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

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.

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

Does radiation shorten your life?

"Rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells, are more affected by radiation therapy than normal cells. The body may respond to this damage with fibrosis or scarring, though this is generally a mild process and typically does not cause any long-term problems that substantially affect quality of life."

What are the most common side 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. Late side effects can take months or even years to develop.Dec 10, 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...

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 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 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?

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.

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 ...

What to do if you have anxiety about radiation?

Your provider may be able to suggest a hospital social worker, patient navigator, psychologist or support group to help ease anxiety related to radiation therapy (or breast cancer).

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.

Can radiation cause hair loss?

Nausea and hair loss. Nausea is rare with radiation therapy to the breast. You won’t lose the hair on your head. However, you may lose some hair under your arm or on the breast or chest area getting radiation (this may be a concern for some men with breast cancer).

Where is the most common area of radiation?

It’s most common in the skin folds and the underside of the breast. If a moist reaction occurs, let your radiation team know. They can give you creams and pads to make the area more comfortable until it heals. Learn more about easing pain related to radiation therapy. Learn about long-term skin changes due to radiation therapy .

Can radiation cause breast cancer?

In rare cases, radiation therapy to the breast can cause a second cancer. The most common cancers linked to radiation therapy are sarcomas (cancers of the connective tissue) [ 20-22 ]. For women who are long-term smokers, radiation therapy may also increase the risk of lung cancer [ 19 ]. The risk of a second cancer is small.

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.

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 .

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.

How long does radiation treatment last?

Although modern radiation technology is very precise, side effects still typically occur within the first few weeks or month of treatment, lasting several weeks following treatment. As with any disease-fighting treatment or cancer therapy, side effects differ in patients depending on health, age, type of radiation, type of cancer, ...

Does radiation cause skin to peel?

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-specific side effects. Women undergoing radiation therapy can experience varying symptoms depending on age.

Can radiation cause vaginal dryness?

Women in menopause can experience vaginal dryness, itching and burning. Male-specific side effects. Male radiation patients may also experience sexually-adverse symptoms, especially if treatment is in the groin area—such as low erectile dysfunction and low sperm count. Vomiting and nausea. Radiation therapy conducted in ...

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 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.

How long does it take for a side effect to show up after radiation?

When to contact your doctor. If long-term side effects occur, they typically develop within two to three years of treatment. It is rare for a symptom to pop up eight to 10 years later. If you experience one of these symptoms, contact your primary care physician or radiation oncologist.

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.

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 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 a breast treated or untreated?

The treated breast may be slightly smaller and firmer than the untreated breast, though this is rarely noticeable, even in a bathing suit or bra. Head or neck: A change in the pH of saliva, allowing a new breed of bacteria to grow that can damage tooth enamel and make you more susceptible to cavities.

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.".

What are the side 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.

How long does it take for lung cancer to heal after radiation?

Most can be expected to improve within a few weeks after radiation therapy is completed. Throughout the course of your radiation therapy for lung cancer, it will be important for you to communicate candidly with your physician. If you experience any unpleasant side effects, there may be options to help you manage them.

How to contact a radiation oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center?

Call 1-888-663-3488 or complete our new patient registration form online.

What does a radiation oncologist do?

As part of the planning process for your therapy, your radiation oncologist will explain what you can expect and recommend ways to prevent or alleviate any associated discomfort. Your experience will be influenced by a variety of unique factors, such as the location and type of your tumor, your radiation dosage, your general health and any other treatments you may be receiving, such as chemotherapy.

Can radiation therapy cause cancer?

However, like many other treatments, it can cause certain side effects. Specifically, when healthy cells are exposed to radiation, they can be damaged in the same way that cancerous cells are, leading to adverse effects at the site of exposure. Because radiation therapy is a localized treatment, most side effects develop in the treatment area ...

Does radiation therapy affect lung cancer?

What Are the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer? Radiation therapy for lung cancer can be very effective for destroying cancerous cells and shrinking tumors. However, like many other treatments, it can cause certain side effects. Specifically, when healthy cells are exposed to radiation, they can be damaged in the same way ...

Bowel And Bladder Problems

What Are Some Radiation Treatment Side Effects for Prostate Cancer Patients?

What To Expect After Radiation Treatment For Prostate Cancer

What to Expect After Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer? Many patients wonder what to expect after receiving radiation treatment for prostate cancer. It is the most widely used method of treatment regardless of the cancers stage.

Frequent Urination Burning With Urination And Difficulty Urinating

These are the most common complaints. Occasionally the urinary stream will weaken. Generally these symptoms are managed with medications to help the bladder function better or eliminate burning. Rarely, your doctor may order a urine test. Symptoms will resolve after the end of treatment.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor Nurse Or Radiographer

You may find it helpful to keep a note of any questions you have to take to your next appointment.

What Are The Dangers Of Radiotherapy Prostate Cancer Treatment

Radiotherapy is considered effective for treatment of cancer with a success rate of above 90%. But is it safe for prostate cancer treatment? Does it cause any side effects? And if yes, are radiation therapy side effects reversible?

Long Term Side Effects Of External Radiotherapy

You might have long term side effects after having external radiotherapy for prostate cancer, such as erection problems . Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of these problems, they can help you with them.

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.

What are the side effects of radiation therapy?

Major side effects of radiation therapy to the pelvic region include: Urinary dysfunction, including lack of bladder control that causes leakage. Bowel dysfunction, causing stool leakage and incontinence. Pelvic organ prolapse, a condition in women in which the vaginal walls protrude out of the vaginal opening.

How long does radiation treatment last?

It is likely to creep up on you during the course of treatment, so even if you don’t feel tired at the beginning of your course, you might by the end. This fatigue can persist for up to a few months after you have finished treatment.

Why do my legs swell after radiation?

Lymphedema, or swelling, may appear in the legs if radiation is given to the lymph nodes in the groin. This swelling is caused by a buildup of lymph fluid in the tissues that are right under the skin. Lymphedema caused by radiation can appear months to years after treatment is over, and can range from mild to severe and uncomfortable. This type of build-up can prevent cells from receiving proper nutrition, affect wound healing, and can lead to infections.

What is a radiation oncologist?

Your radiation oncologist will create a tailored plan for you, taking into account the positioning and size of the cancer, in addition to your general health history. This plan may be adjusted throughout treatment to achieve the best results and take into account any side effects you may be experiencing.

Does radiation affect fertility?

Fertility. Radiation can affect fertility in both men and women, particularly given the site of the radiation administered for anal cancer . In men, radiation at high doses can kill sperm-producing stem cells and affect sperm production.

Can radiotherapy cause bladder pain?

Bladder Irritation. Given its location, radiotherapy for anal cancer can affect the bladder as well. Your bladder may become irritated, making it feel as though you have an infection. This can lead to the sensation that you have to pass urine even if your bladder is empty. You may also feel pain when passing urine.

Can cancer cells be exposed to radiation?

Your treatment team will aim to limit radiation only to the affected cancer cells, although healthy cells may be exposed to the same amount of radiation. The effects of radiation vary from person to person and it is difficult to predict the extent of the side effects you will experience. Side effects are also cumulative, ...