Radiation therapy uses high energy rays, such as X-rays, to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors in different parts of the body. It is used to treat many types of cancer.
Radiation damages the genetic material of cancer cells, which stops their growth. Radiation may also damage normal cells that are close to the cancer cells. But normal cells usually repair themselves, while the cancer cells cannot.
Side effects from radiation therapy are a problem. Usually the side effects are temporary. But some side effects may be permanent. Researchers keep looking for the lowest radiation dose that effectively kills cancer cells. And with new technology, people getting radiation therapy have fewer problems than in the past.
There are two main ways that radiation is done. When it is given from a machine outside the body, it's called external beam radiation, or EBRT. When radiation is placed inside the body, it's called internal radiation, or brachytherapy.
Other types of radiation include:
- Systemic radiation therapy.
- Fractionated radiation therapy.
- Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).
- Proton therapy.
- Targeted radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy may be given before surgery to shrink a tumor, such as with bladder cancer. Or it may be given during surgery or while you are getting chemotherapy. Or it may be given after other treatment, such as after surgery for breast cancer.
Radiation therapy may be given when a person with cancer is not well enough for other treatment, such as surgery. It's also used in palliative care for advanced or metastatic cancer. For example, it can relieve pain by shrinking tumors in the bones.
Recovery depends on the tumor site, the stage and grade of the cancer, and the amount of healthy tissue that is affected during treatment. Damage to normal cells during radiation therapy may cause side effects.
Skin changes
Skin changes are common with radiation therapy. The skin in the area of your body that is getting radiation may turn red and tender, itch, peel, or blister. Toward the end of treatment, the skin may become moist and "weepy." These effects are temporary, and the area will gradually heal when treatment is completed. You may notice a slight change in the color of the skin.
Good skin care is important during radiation therapy. And you should check with your doctor before using any deodorants, lotions, or creams on the treated area. To care for your skin:
- Use lukewarm water for showers or quick baths. Pat yourself dry with a soft towel, being careful not to rub off any ink marks that are used for your radiation.
- Avoid putting heating pads or cold packs or anything that is hot or cold on this skin.
- Wear soft cotton clothes that are loose on your body.
- Ask your doctor about different types of gels or lotions that can help protect your skin or help make you feel more comfortable.
- Protect your skin from the sun by staying out of the sun and wearing a hat with a wide brim, long sleeved-shirts, and long pants when you are outdoors. Talk to your doctor about wearing sunscreen.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common side effect of radiation therapy. It is a sense of tiredness that doesn't seem to go away, even with rest or sleep. Some people may only have mild fatigue. For others, fatigue may be a bigger problem. It may last from 6 weeks to a year after your last radiation treatment.
Staying active can lift your mood and help you feel better. It can also help reduce problems with anemia during treatment. It's fine to be active in blocks of 10 minutes or more throughout your day. Walking with a friend can help you keep a routine.
Be patient. It can take time to fully recover. Balancing rest with activity is important. Try to match your activities to your energy levels.
Throat changes
Radiation to the neck or chest can irritate the lining of your throat and esophagus. It may be hard to swallow, and you may feel like you have a lump in your throat or a burning feeling in your throat or chest. You may also develop a cough.
Having both radiation and chemotherapy can make this worse. So can smoking or drinking alcohol during the time you are getting radiation therapy. These symptoms usually go away within a month after radiation treatment is completed.
Radiation therapy is used to destroy cancer cells and to shrink tumors.
Radiation is one of the main treatments used to kill cancer cells. But it doesn't always cure cancer. Researchers continue to study safer and more effective ways to use radiation therapy to treat cancer.
Radiation therapy may shrink a tumor, give you relief from cancer symptoms, or possibly cure cancer. But it has risks for serious side effects. Your doctor will recommend radiation therapy if the doctor thinks that the benefit you may have from this treatment is greater than the risks.
Risks of radiation therapy during and right after treatment include:
- Fatigue.
- Nausea with or without vomiting.
- Skin changes, such as turning red and flaking, peeling, or shrinking (radiation dermatitis).
- Problems that are specific to the area being treated. One example is hair loss with radiation to the head or neck. Another example is urinary problems if the lower belly is radiated.
Most of these problems will go away soon after the treatment ends. But sometimes the side effects are permanent, such as when the salivary glands are damaged.
And sometimes side effects may show up months or years after radiation therapy. These can include:
- Skin changes (from external radiation treatments).
- Damage to the bowels that causes diarrhea and bleeding or an obstruction.
- Chronic bladder or rectal irritation.
- Vaginal scarring (vaginal fibrosis).
- Memory loss.
- Infertility (not being able to become pregnant or father a child).
- Harm to your lungs or heart.
- In rare cases, a second cancer caused by exposure to radiation.
Current as of: March 1, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Ross Berkowitz MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology