Side effects of radiotherapy
Disease description:
My aunt was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer, and her doctor recommended radiation therapy. However, she has heard that the side effects can be quite significant. What are the side effects of radiation therapy?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Radiation therapy, as an important method for cancer treatment, inevitably has side effects. Common side effects of radiation therapy include:
1. Fatigue: Radiation therapy requires the body to expend significant energy for self-repair, combined with psychological stress from the illness and the physical toll of treatment, leading to exhaustion in patients.
2. Local reactions: The treated area may experience skin redness, dryness, pain, hair loss, and other symptoms similar to those of a mild burn. Radiation to the mouth and throat areas may cause dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and oral ulcers.
3. Effects on the blood: Radiation therapy can sometimes reduce the number of white blood cells and platelets, potentially increasing the risk of infection and bleeding.
4. Gastrointestinal reactions: Radiation therapy may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting, which can affect patients' nutritional intake and weight.
5. Long-term side effects: Long-term or high-dose radiation therapy may lead to tissue fibrosis and vascular hardening in the treated area, affecting organ function, such as heart disease, lung fibrosis, and intestinal stricture.
