Side effects after radiation therapy to the head
Disease description:
I have cancer and need to undergo head and neck radiation therapy at the hospital, but I'm quite concerned about potential side effects. Could you please advise what side effects may occur after head and neck radiation therapy?
Side effects following head and neck radiation therapy typically include radiation dermatitis, oral mucositis, hearing loss, etc., primarily caused by tissue damage resulting from radiation exposure. Radiation dermatitis manifests as redness, swelling, blisters, erosion, or even ulceration of the skin. Oral mucositis is characterized by congestion and edema of the oral mucosa, which may even lead to the formation of ulcers.