Radiation Therapy Side Effects, Uses, and Types

Radiation therapy side effects are the same as those of chemotherapy. Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of rays to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.

This treatment can also be used to relieve symptoms of cancer. Radiation therapy is especially beneficial for treating the cancer cells to which chemotherapy drugs could not reach, or other drugs, such as in the brain, testes, and ovaries.

Uses of Radiation:

At low doses, radiation is used for diagnostic purposes, such as X-rays and DEXA scans. However, in high doses, radiation is used to treat cancer.

What are the Types of Radiation?

Radiation therapy can be broadly classified into two types.

External Beam Radiation Therapy:

External radiation therapy is the most common type of radiation. In which high beam or high-energy rays are delivered/ targeted to a specific part of the body or tumor. This is accomplished using a linear simulator. This type of radiation is given to cancer like head, neck, lung, and breast cancer.

Furthermore, it is used in patients undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, as part of total-body irradiation. To achieve long-term remission purposes and prevent rejection of the implanted marrow. External beam radiation has many types.

Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy):

• In this type, radiation is delivered by placing a radioactive material, called an implant, inside the body. It is placed near the tumor to shrink it or to kill cancer cells. This type of radiation is administered in liquid form or in a capsule. It has two further types.
• Intra-cavity: In this type, the radioactive material is placed in a body cavity. e.g., in the rectum or in the uterus.
• Interstitial: In this type, the radioactive material is placed near the tumor.

What are the side effects of radiation therapy?

Just like other medicines or chemotherapy, radiation therapy also causes side effects. The following are some general side effects of radiation therapy.

Nausea and Vomiting: Radiation Therapy Side Effects

Like chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy also destroys some normal cells. However, if the patient has been treated for stomach or abdominal cancer, there will be problems with nausea and vomiting.

Skin Discoloration:

Skin discoloration is a main side effect of radiation therapy. As radiation crosses the skin, it destroys the skin cells.

Mucositis/mouth ulcers: Radiation Therapy Side Effects

Radiation therapy damages cells in the oral mucosa, leading to mucositis (oral ulcers). Mucositis after radiation therapy, especially in total body irradiation, is very severe, which is of grade III and IV, and this alters the nutrition of patients.

Hypotension (low blood pressure): Radiation Therapy Side Effects

Low oral intake due to nausea, vomiting, and oral ulcers may result in hypotension and fatigue.

• Low white blood Cells. Radiation therapy also destroys bone marrow cells, which may lead to low white blood cell, platelet, and hemoglobin counts, increasing the risk of infection and bleeding.
• Dizziness/Lethargy: Dizziness is more common in patients who receive radiation to the head/brain or spinal cord. Because radiation kills cancer cells as well as normal cells.
• Hair Fall (alopecia): Hair fall is common in areas that are exposed to radiation. Moreover is very common if radiation is done for neck and head cancer. Hair loss is temporary and typically regrows after 3 to 6 months of treatment completion. It could be permanent in patients who have been treated with higher doses of radiation.
• Sexual Dysfunction: Radiation can damage both male and female gonads, which could lead to low sperm and oocyte count. Dysfunction with sexual activity will happen.
• Problem with Infertility. Permanent damage to the gonads in both male and female patients leads to infertility.
•  Weight Loss: Radiation therapy destroys healthy cells as well, with side effects such as mouth ulcers, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, collectively leading to overall weight loss.

How to reduce the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy?

Patients experience different side effects, but some common side effects can be managed by following these guidelines.

Maintain good hydration :

Before attending the radiation session, drink plenty of fluids to maintain adequate hydration. Also, have a water bottle with you during hospital visits.

• Get a good sleep: Sleep well during the treatment course, as it helps regenerate your body cells and reduces anxiety.
• Maintain good oral hygiene: It helps reduce mouth ulcers. Use a high-quality mouthwash containing antifungal agents, such as Magic Mouthwash, which is also beneficial for treating mouth ulcers.
• Take adequate rest: Avoid energy-consuming activities such as washing clothes, cleaning the house, jogging, or using the gym, which will deplete your energy. You can have simple cooking in your kitchen and a simple walk on the lawn.
• Mind-diversion activities: You can engage in a mind-diversion activity, such as reading an interesting storybook or watching a good documentary, drama, or film.
• Personal hygiene: Maintains good personal hygiene to avoid getting oral or dental infections.
• Avoid sexual contact with the partner.
• Cover your skin while going into the sun. Direct exposure to the sun can cause skin damage because the skin becomes more sensitive after radiation therapy.
• Avoid drinking alcohol at least till the radiation course completion.
• Avoid applying medicated lotions to the skin; use simple baby shampoos to wash hair; and avoid using strong deodorants. Ask your healthcare professional before using any skin treatment.
• Family and community support:
• Family and friends’ support is essential for patients’ rapid recovery; be with people who provide strong moral support. Maintain contact with patients receiving the same treatment so you can receive support in managing side effects through home remedies or other strategies.

Special Precautions after Receiving Radiation?

Avoid contact with pregnant ladies and children:

As with external radiation, there are no risks, but take precautions to protect other family members. In case you have internal radiation,l ike iodine therapy, it takes some time to flush out from the body, so special precautions are very important. Your healthcare provider will guide you on special precautions.

Drink plenty of Fluids: Drinking fluids helps flush radioactive material from the body.

Use an Isolated Toilet at home: If possible, use a separate toilet. If there is a common toilet, then flush it twice or thrice after use.

Separate your Laundry: Keep your clothes, towels, and underwear separate from the laundry of other family members.

  Separate Utensils:

Avoid sharing utensils with other family members, as radiation may be transmitted through saliva.

Avoid Family Gatherings:

Patients who have compromised immunity after radiation are more susceptible to infections.

Avoid Sun Exposure/Sun Bath:  

After undergoing radiation therapy, a patient’s skin becomes highly sensitive. As a result, direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided as it can easily damage the skin. Furthermore, it can also lead to dehydration.

Is it safe to be around someone receiving radiation?

Patients are not allowed to have anyone in the radiation room with them, not even their therapist.

However, after the session, they can sit with their family because the radiation effect diminishes just after the session in the radiation room. Anyhow, avoid holding children or coming in contact with a pregnant lady for the safe side.

Is Radiation Therapy Painful?

Getting radiation is not a painful procedure; a machine, just like a CT scan, will move around your body and target the part for radiation and deliver radiation, and you will not feel the radiation during the radiation delivery.

Radiation therapy, like any other medical treatment, can cause side effects. However, adopting healthy habits such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and engaging in other healthy activities can mitigate these side effects.

Furthermore, having a dependable support system of family and friends can provide emotional support and contribute to a faster recovery from the effects of therapy.