Radiotherapy

The side effects of radiation therapy occur when non-cancerous cells are also affected by the treatment.

Radiation therapy reacts in the same way with cancer cells and non-cancerous cells. However, cancer cells are more vulnerable to the effects of treatment, due to cancer cells tendency to copy themselves at a faster rate and repair more slowly.

Some non-cancerous cells are also affected by radiation therapy, however, leading to potentially severe side effects.

Side effects vary based on the part of the body being treated, the overall health of the person receiving radiation therapy, and the type and dose of radiation used.

Short-term side effects

Short-term effects of radiation treatment can include the following:

• fatigue or lethargy
• skin irritation, including swelling, blisters, and a sunburned or tanned appearance
• effects specific to the area of treatment, such as hair loss, urinary problems, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
• tissue inflammation, such as esophagitis, pneumonitis, and hepatitis
• rarely, a drop in the number of white blood cells or platelets

Long-term side effects

Long-term effects also depend on the site of treatment and can include:

• Stiffening and restricted movement: After neck therapy, for example, the jaw can stiffen. This can occur as a result of tissue scarring. Exercises may be advised after cancer surgery and radiation therapy to help loosen movement.
• Skin effects: These include delayed wound healing and a spidery red or purple appearance caused by dilated capillary blood vessels.
• Diarrheal and bleeding: These can occur as a result of bowel damage when the abdomen receives radiation therapy.
• Hormone problems: These can include hypopituitarism or hypothyroidism, dry mouth, memory loss, and infertility.
• A second cancer caused by radiation exposure: Although rare, soft-tissue sarcoma, for example, can be caused by high doses of radiation. The risk of recurrence of the cancer being treated is higher than the risk of a new cancer being caused by radiation therapy.

The above-mentioned side effects occur in patients without any benefit in pain relief. Radiation never cure cancer, it is totally useless in controlling growth of tumour rather new cancers develop by radiotherapy. So always opt for metabolic treatment in all form of cancer. Learn more