cancer
Radiation Therapy for Cancer
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Radiation can damage normal tissues near the tumor. Side effects depend on how large an area is being treated, what dose is given, and how close the tumor is to sensitive tissues. Sensitive tissues are those in which cells normally divide rapidly, such as skin, bone marrow, hair follicles, and the lining of the mouth, esophagus, and intestine. Radiation can also damage the ovaries or testes. Doctors try to accurately target the radiation therapy to prevent damaging normal cells. Side effects depend on the area receiving radiation and may include Fatigue Mouth sores Skin problems (such as redness, itching, and peeling) Painful swallowing Lung inflammation (pneumonitis) Liver inflammation (hepatitis) Gastrointestinal problems (such as nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea) Urinary problems (such as increased frequency and burning during urination) Low blood cell concentrations, leading to anemia (which causes fatigue and weakness), easy bruising or bleeding, and risk of infections Radiation to head and neck cancers often causes damage to the overlying skin as well as the salivary glands and the lining of the mouth and throat. Doctors try to identify and treat such symptoms as early as possible so the person remains comfortable and can continue with treatments. For example, a variety of drugs can reduce the diarrhea caused by radiation therapy to the abdomen. Radiation therapy can increase the risk of developing other cancers years after the initial cancer was treated. The risk depends on the person's age at the time of treatment and the part of the body that received the radiation. 