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Early and late effects of radiation therapy. Early side effects happen during or shortly after treatment. These side effects tend to be short-term, mild, and treatable. They’re usually gone within a few weeks after treatment ends. The most common early side effects are fatigue (feeling tired) and skin changes. Other early side effects usually ...
Hair loss. Nausea and vomiting. Skin changes. Urinary and bladder problems. Healthy cells that are damaged during radiation treatment usually recover within a few months after treatment is over. But sometimes people may have side effects that do not improve. Other side effects may show up months or years after radiation therapy is over.
Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, is a type of cancer treatment. This treatment uses beams of intense energy to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy most often uses X-rays. But other types of radiation therapy exist, including proton radiation. Modern methods of radiation are precise.
There are two kinds of radiation side effects: early and late. Early side effects, such as nausea and fatigue, usually don’t last long. They may start during or right after treatment and last ...
Radiation therapy for head and neck cancers can impact the structures that help you taste, smell, eat and speak. Side effects may include: Dry mouth or thickened secretions. Hoarseness. Dental issues (like an increased risk of cavities). Loss of taste or altered taste. Loss of smell.
Radiation is not usually the only treatment for colon cancer. Side effects of radiation to the rectum include: diarrhea or painful bowel movements. bowel incontinence. nausea. irritation to the ...
The most common early side effects of radiation therapy in breast cancer patients are skin irritation and fatigue. Radiation therapy can last anywhere from one to six weeks. As you get farther into treatment, the skin on the breast or chest that’s repeatedly exposed to radiation can start to look dry or red and feel irritated.
Special diet needs while on radiation therapy. Radiation can cause side effects that make it hard to eat, such as nausea, mouth sores, and throat problems called esophagitis. Since your body uses a lot of energy to heal during radiation therapy, it is important that you eat enough calories and protein to maintain your weight during treatment.
The side effects of radiation therapy may depend on the dose and length of treatment. Most patients' side effects subside within a few months post-treatment, but no two people are the same. The American Cancer Society (ACS) has developed a six-week external radiation therapy side effects worksheet to help patients track symptoms. The side ...
Side effects can happen any time during, immediately after or a few days or weeks after radiation therapy. 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.