Radiation treatment can be recommended either to help kill cancerous cells or to shrink a tumor in order to provide palliative therapy to a terminally ill patient. Because the treatment is delivered only to a distinct area where a tumor is located, side effects typically may be related to the location and size of the tumor. However, this article will address the general complications related to radiation therapy, not necessarily the site-specific complications.
Fatigue
While the exact link between radiation therapy and fatigue is unknown, researchers theorize that the tumor itself can affect the immune system, increasing feelings of fatigue. Radiation treatments also can cause a low red blood cell count, a condition known as anemia. Other factors that may cause fatigue while receiving radiation treatments include depression, stress, a side effect of chemotherapy medications or the result of poor nutrition.
Skin Damage
Today's radiation therapy machines deliver radiation doses to a significantly smaller area. However, radiation may cause changes in the skin's color, as well as cause redness and peeling. If the skin becomes especially dry, a moisturizer containing aloe vera, lanolin or vitamin E should be effective. After receiving several treatments, the skin may begin to feel thinner or even harder.
Dry Mouth/Loss of Taste
Radiation therapy, particularly those of the head and neck, may result in dry mouth. Radiation can especially effect the salivary glands and taste buds, which affects a person's ability to taste. Even if a person does not have a high amount of taste sensation, they should take efforts to eat a healthy diet, which is needed to receive proper nourishment.
Hair Loss
Radiation therapy causes only localized hair loss to the area being treated. For example, if a tumor is on the leg, a person will experience hair loss (alopecia) on that area. As long as the treatment area is not on the head, you should not lose the hair on your head if your tumor is at another location on your body.
Diarrhea
Radiation therapy also may affect bowel function, as the lining of the bowels is especially sensitive. Radiation also can cause inflammation of the stomach, resulting in diarrhea, bloating or a sense of urgency to use the restroom. On some occasions, the stool can contain blood or mucus.
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