Radiation therapy is utilized to treat various types of cancers to destroy cancer cells and reduce the size of tumors before surgery, or before an allogeneic bone marrow transplant to minimize the risk of disease recurrence or relapse post-transplant. While radiation effectively targets cancer cells, it also affects healthy cells, leading to side effects.
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy:
Remember the following text: As with any treatment or medication, there are side effects. For example, chemotherapy causes side effects, and the same is true for radiation therapy. Some side effects are temporary and go away after treatment is completed, while others are permanent and last throughout the patient’s life.
What are the temporary side effects of radiation therapy?
Following are some temporary side effects that finish or diminish with the course of treatment.
Nausea and vomiting:
Nausea and vomiting are the most common, temporary, and early side effects of radiation therapy. The radiation consultant recommends medications to control these symptoms before the start of treatment.
Loss of Appetite:
Radiation therapy often leads to a loss of appetite as a side effect. Patients may experience a reduced desire to eat and may develop specific food preferences during treatment. This effect, known as anorexia in medical terms, is temporary and usually diminishes after treatment is completed.
Weight Loss:
Weight loss also happens during this treatment. It may be due to decreased oral intake due to nausea and vomiting or due to decreased appetite.
Hair loss:
Hair loss is the most common temporary side effect of radiation therapy. In some cases, if patients have received very high doses of chemotherapy, especially to the head region, their hair might not grow back. Medically, hair loss is called alopecia. Natural hair wigs are available to cover your head.
How much does it take to grow hair after radiotherapy?
In low doses of radiation administration hair usually re-grows after 3 to 6 months. The quantity sometimes may be less than the prior hair and the nature of the new hair will be curly.
Oral ulcers and mouth dryness:
Oral ulcers are a common side effect of radiation therapy. The cells lining the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the mouth to the anus, are sensitive to radiation, resulting in damage known as oral ulcers or mucositis. This typically occurs about a week after starting therapy. The recovery of oral ulcers depends on proper care. Using a salt water rinse between meals can help to maintain oral hygiene and prevent the growth of bacteria. Additionally, drink small sips of water to stay hydrated.
Which food to be used in case of oral ulcers?
Use low spicy and less oily food. Avoid hot food which may irritate the oral mucosa.
How do you treat mouth ulcers after radiotherapy?
See management of oral ulcers.
Blurry vision and Headache:
People who receive radiation therapy may experience blurry vision and headaches. The exact reason for these symptoms is unknown, but they could be due to dehydration and weakness. To help alleviate these symptoms, it’s important to maintain hydration by drinking plenty of fluids such as water and juices, and to avoid drinks containing alcohol, as they may worsen the condition.
Poor concentration and memory problems:
Patients undergoing radiation therapy may experience difficulties with memory and concentration. The impact varies depending on the type of cancer and the patient’s overall health. For instance, individuals with brain tumors or metastatic brain tumors may experience memory issues due to the tumor’s effect on the brain tissue.
Infertility: Side Effects of Radiation Therapy:
A patient who undergoes heavy radiation treatment may become unable to have children in the future. It is recommended to consider sperm banking before starting the treatment. Radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs are designed to kill fast-growing cells. Unfortunately, cancer cells are also fast-growing, and radiation can damage healthy fast-growing cells such as those in the reproductive organs, hair, and gastrointestinal system alongside the cancer cells.
Skin changes/ skin pigmentation: Skin pigmentation is a common side effect of radiation therapy. The skin in the exposed area can become darker and sometimes very thin, leading to peeling. Other skin changes may include dryness, darkening, itching, hardness, and flakiness.
How to take care of the skin after radiation?
Skincare is very important when the patient is on radiation therapy. The following tips can prevent and recover skin damage.
- Here are the revised instructions:
- Do not use medicated creams or lotions containing steroids.
- Use moisturizing lotion only.
- Use loose clothing
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun which may further damage your skin.
- Do not scratch the affected area.
- Use lukewarm water and simple soap to wash the area.
- Take dark fruits containing anti-oxidants.
- Gently tap the skin with a towel after wash. Avoid rubbing.
Taste and smell changes: Please take note of the following text: If you notice changes in taste, such as metallic, bitter, sweet, or sour tastes, try consuming cold or room temperature food and avoid warm food. If you sense a bitter taste, try adding some sweet flavor to your food, and if you taste something sweet, try incorporating more salty foods into your diet.
Low blood count: Side Effects of Radiation Therapy.
Yes, radiation therapy can cause low blood count if a large area of the body is exposed, such as the pelvis, long bones, etc. Low blood cells include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This decline in blood counts occurs 7 to 10 days after radiation therapy. Your healthcare provider will advise a complete blood count test to see your health status. You must notify your physician if you feel lethargy, bruises, or feeling sick.
Use Healthy Diet:
Radiation therapy can weaken your immune system. Maintaining a healthy immune system and a healthy weight is important by following a proper, nutritious diet. If you have difficulty maintaining a well-balanced diet, try eating small, frequent meals and consider taking multivitamins after consulting with your healthcare provider.
Radiation therapy can be just as challenging as chemotherapy, as it can cause both temporary and permanent side effects similar to those of chemotherapy. Therefore, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and practice good hygiene to minimize these side effects.
