Interventional radiologists have techniques designed to deliver radiation therapy directly to liver tumors. Side effects patients experience after radiation treatment may depend on the cancer it is being used to treat.
Radiation exposure to healthy lung tissue may cause inflammation and coughing. Damage to healthy tissues in the gastrointestinal tract may cause pain, nausea or diarrhea, Bauer says.
And the risk remains that radiation therapy to treat cancers in young people may increase their chance of developing second cancers later in life. But the benefit of the cancer treatment far outweighs the risk of a secondary malignancy. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer, visit cancercenter. Visit cancercenter. Please Sign In and use this article's on page print button to print this article. Learn more about the risk factors for skin cancer.
Make a difference in the fight against cancer by donating to cancer research. Call us anytime. What is radiation? Ionizing radiation Non-ionizing radiation This type of radiation is strong enough to remove an electron from the nucleus of an atom. High doses on ionizing radiation may lead to radiation sickness, neurological issues and diseases, including cancer. Sources of ionizing radiation include: Ultraviolet light X-rays Nuclear power or weapons Radon This type of radiation is made up of weaker electromagnetic waves that are not powerful enough to disassemble an atom.
But this type of radiation may still cause cell damage in high doses. Sources of non-ionizing radiation include: Microwaves Radio waves TVs and computer monitors Cell phones Radiation was first discovered as a potential cancer treatment around the turn of the 20 th century.
Related Articles Busting myths: Can hyperbaric oxygen treat cancer? Rarely, it may be necessary to wait until the skin heals before continuing chemotherapy.
Side effects vary from person to person, even when given the same type of treatment. Before your treatment, ask your health care team which physical side effects are possible and what to watch for. There can also be emotional side effects , and seeking out mental health support to help with anxiety or stress is important.
Ask your health care team about ways to take care of yourself during the treatment period, including getting enough rest, eating well, and staying hydrated. Ask whether there are any restrictions on your regular exercise schedule or other physical activities. And, continue talking with the team throughout your treatment. Always tell your health care team when side effects first appear, worsen, or continue despite treatment.
That will allow your health care team to provide ways to help you feel better during and after treatment. What physical side effects are likely based on my specific radiation therapy treatment plan? When will they likely begin? Could this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have a child? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before cancer treatment begins? Will special precautions be needed to protect my family and others from radiation exposure during my treatment period?
This 1-page printable PDF gives an introduction to radiation therapy, including an overview of the different types of radiation, what to expect during treatment, possible side effects, terms to know, and questions to ask the health care team. Why does radiation therapy cause side effects? Are there options to prevent or treat these side effects? What are common side effects of radiation therapy? Common physical side effects of radiation therapy include: Skin changes.
What are site-specific side effects of radiation therapy? Radiation therapy aimed at the chest may cause these side effects: Difficulty swallowing Shortness of breath Breast or nipple soreness Shoulder stiffness Cough, fever, and fullness of the chest, known as radiation pneumonitis. Radiation therapy aimed at the stomach or abdomen may cause these side effects: Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Bowel cramping Loose stool or diarrhea These symptoms will likely go away after treatment.
Radiation therapy aimed at the pelvis may cause these side effects: Loose stool or diarrhea Rectal bleeding Incontinence, which is when a person is not able to control his or her bladder Bladder irritation Sexual problems for men, such as erectile dysfunction, which is the inability to get or maintain an erection Lowered sperm counts and reduced sperm activity.
Changes in menstruation, such as having menstruation stop Symptoms of menopause , such as vaginal itching, burning, dryness, and other changes to sexual health for women If both ovaries receive radiation therapy, you may experience infertility. What is radiation recall? Questions to ask the health care team What physical side effects are likely based on my specific radiation therapy treatment plan? How can these side effects be prevented or managed? How can I take care of the affected skin during my treatment period?
Who should I tell when a side effect appears or gets worse? Manage Your Award. Grants Management Contacts. Prior Approvals. Annual Reporting and Auditing. Transfer of a Grant. Grant Closeout. Cancer Training at NCI. Resources for Trainees. Funding for Cancer Training. Building a Diverse Workforce. National Cancer Act 50th Anniversary Commemoration.
Resources for News Media. Media Contacts. Cancer Reporting Fellowships. Advisory Board Meetings. Social Media Events. Cancer Currents Blog. Contributing to Cancer Research.
Strategic Planning. Principal Deputy Director's Page. Previous NCI Directors. NCI Frederick. Advisory Boards and Review Groups. NCI Congressional Justification. Current Congress. Committees of Interest. Legislative Resources. Recent Public Laws. Search Search. Cancer-Causing Substances. Chronic Inflammation. Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions. Infectious Agents.
0コメント