What are the side effects of radiation?

The side effects often depend on the area of the body which is being irradiated, as well as the over-all time frame of the treatment, and the dose given at each treatment. Patients often try to compare side effects of their treatment in the waiting room, however they are not aware that they may be receiving very different treatments even if ostensibly for the same conditions. No two patients are exactly alike and therefore the treatment must be tailored to their particular constellation of disease stage, location, age, and multiple other associated factors. Common side effects of radiation therapy could include skin dryness and peeling, sometimes even redness, like you might get with a bad sunburn. Often the patients feel tired or listless. Blood counts may go down especially if chemotherapy is also being given or if a large area is being treated. However, some patients breeze through the treatment with few if any side effects. An informed consent listing all the possible side effects should be discussed with you and your family if they are present prior to starting treatment. Each week during radiotherapy treatment, you will see the physician in order to voice any of your concerns. At these weekly visits, the physician can also tell you about the progress of treatment and recommend any treatment for side-effects that you may be experiencing. These weekly visits are VERY important and the patients should not miss them if they can help it.

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