What are the radiation therapy symptoms for esophageal cancer?
Disease description:
A few days ago, my grandmother was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. The doctor said she needs radiotherapy, and I would like to know what symptoms may occur during radiotherapy.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Qi Zhirong
Symptoms after radiotherapy for esophageal cancer mainly fall into two categories: systemic reactions and local reactions. Systemic reactions include fatigue, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and lethargy; they may also suppress bone marrow hematopoietic function, leading to decreased white blood cell and platelet counts. Local reactions primarily manifest as radiation esophagitis, presenting with symptoms such as pain and difficulty swallowing, typically emerging after about 10 sessions of radiotherapy. Additionally, less common reactions may include radiation pneumonitis, radiation-induced cardiac inflammation, and radiation myelitis. These symptoms not only affect patients' quality of life but may also interfere with the continuation of radiotherapy; therefore, close monitoring and timely management are necessary.
