Radiation Therapy Side Effects - Do You Know This

By : The Health Place

Every cancer patient needs to know

1. Fatigue

Most of the patients feel physical, mental, and emotional fatigue. This is very common for people with cancer and often occurs with radiation therapy.

2. Hair loss

Hair loss can be a problem after radiation therapy. After treatment, hair usually grow back in 3 to 6 months.

3. Memory or concentration problem

There is a possibility that chemotherapy treatment may cause difficulty with thinking, concentrating, or remembering.

4. Nausea and vomiting

Radiation therapy treatment to the middle of the abdomen or back can cause nausea and vomiting. This also includes dehydration.

5. Skin changes

Up to 95% of people may experience skin changes after radiation therapy, including dryness, peeling, and redness or darkening.

6. Headache

You may have a headache for a few days after radiation therapy. Consult your doctor about headache control.

7. Blurred vision

Radiation therapy can damage parts of the eye, resulting in problems such as blurred vision, dry eyes, cataracts, and retinal detachment

8. Tooth decay

The salivary glands and lining of the mouth can be damaged by radiation therapy. The healthy balance of bacteria can be disturbed. These changes can lead to tooth decay.

9. Difficulty swallowing

Radiation therapy can cause difficulty swallowing. In the mouth, throat, and esophagus, radiation can harden and deform the muscle and mucosa.