Radiation therapy is used to treat different kinds of cancers. The aim is to kill the cancer cells, and shrink the size of the tumor before surgery or used before an allogeneic bone marrow transplant to avoid reducing the risk of re-occurrence of the disease or relapsed after transplant cells. Radiations besides killing cancer cells also kill normal cells, which results in side effects of radiation therapy.
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy:
As every treatment or medication results in some side effects such as chemotherapy causes side effects, the Same is with radiation therapy. Some side effects are temporary that go away with the completion of treatment but some are permanent and last throughout the life span of the patient.
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 vomiting is the most common, temporary, and early side effect of radiation therapy. The radiation consultant advises medications to control this before the start of treatment.
Loss of Appetite:
Another common side effect of radiation therapy is loss of appetite. The patient’s desire to eat is reduced and becomes very specific in eating food during the course of radiation therapy treatment. This is also a temporary effect of radiation therapy and goes away with the completion of a course of treatment. It is called anorexia in medical terminology.
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 also the most common temporary side effect of radiation therapy. However in some cases, if the patients have received very high doses of chemotherapy, especially to the head region your hair might not grow back. In medical terms, hair loss is called alopecia. Moreover, 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 also the main side effect of radiation therapy. Cells of the GI tract (from mouth to anus) are very sensitive to radiation. Which results in damage called oral ulcer or mucositis. It happens after a week of therapy. Oral ulcers recover depending upon the care. Use a salt water rinse in between meals this will maintain oral hygiene and inhibit the growth of bacteria. Moreover use small sips of water to maintain your hydration status.
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 receiving radiation therapy experience blurry vision and headaches. The exact reason is unknown. However, it could be due to dehydration and weakness. so, should maintain your hydration by drinking more and more fluids such as water and juices and avoid drinks containing alcohol which may worsen the condition.
Poor concentration and memory problems:
Patients receiving radiation therapy have problems with weak memory and are unable to focus on things. It depends upon the nature of the cancer and the patient’s health status. Such as if the patient is a known case of a brain tumor or metastatic brain tumor, the tumor will suppress the brain tissue which may lead to memory issues.
Infertility: Side Effects of Radiation Therapy:
The patient heavily treated with radiation is unable to become a parent in the future. Therefore sperm banking is advised before starting the treatment. Radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs kill fast-growing cells. However, cancer cells are fast-growing cells, and cells in gonads, cells of hair, and gastrointestinal also grow fast. So, radiation damages these cells with cancer cells.
Skin changes/ skin pigmentation: Skin pigmentation is the most common side effect of radiation therapy. Skin becomes darker in the area that is most exposed to radiation. Moreover, sometimes skin becomes very thin and peels off in the area being radiated the most. Other skin changes include dryness, darker, itchy, hard, and flaky.
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.
- Maintain your hydration by drinking more water and fluids.
- 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: You may also note taste changes, such as metallic bitter, sweet, and sour. If you sense smell from food try to eat cold and room temperature food and avoid warm food. If you feel a bitter taste try to add some sweetened flavor to food. In case of sweet taste use more salty food.
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. Must notify your physician if you feel lethargy, bruises, and feeling of being sick.
Use Healthy Diet:
Radiotherapy weakens your immune system. To maintain a healthy immune and a healthy weight, one should use a proper healthy diet. If unable to maintain a well-balanced diet you can use small frequent meals with multivitamins with the advice of your health care provider.
Hence, going through radiation therapy is as tough as chemotherapy. It has side effects similar to chemotherapy some of the side effects are temporary and some are permanent. So, diet exercise, and hygiene are very necessary to reduce the side effects.