The objective of radiation therapy is to induce damage to cancer cells; however, it also has the potential to cause damage to benign cells in the treatment region. Side effects are the consequence of damage to healthy cells. The severity of the side effects that may be experienced is contingent upon the specific body part that is subjected to radiation therapy. Various cells and tissues in the body respond to radiation in a variety of ways.
The cells that divide at a rapid pace are typically the ones that are most affected by radiation therapy. These include cells that line the skin, cells that line the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, and cells that are present in the bone marrow. Any side effects during, shortly after, or within a few days or time weeks after treatment has been completed may become apparent.
Despite the fact that some radiation side effects may persist after treatment has been concluded, this is not a guarantee, as it takes time for healthy cells to recover from the effects of radiation therapy. It is important to remember that the effects of radiation therapy on healthy cells require a period of time to recover.
Late radiation side effects may manifest months or even years after treatment. The capacity of specific cells to self-heal may be impaired if the radiation dosages are excessive. As a result, some adverse side effects have a propensity to last for an extended period of time or to become permanent.
The side effects of radiation are contingent upon the type of radiation therapy, the body part being treated, the quantity of radiation therapy, the treatment schedule, and your overall health. Fatigue is one of the most common radiation side effects. In the majority of cases, it manifests itself after a few weeks of radiation therapy and has the potential to worsen as the treatment progresses.
Skin complications are not uncommon in external radiation therapy, as the radiation must pass through the skin to reach the intended treatment site. The region that has been exposed to radiation may experience dryness or itching of the skin. At times, it may appear tanned, darken, or change color to a reddish hue.
The treatment may result in hair loss or hair reduction exclusively in the area that is being treated with radiation therapy. Depending on the amount of radiation received, both the amount of hair loss and the amount of hair that grows back tend to differ from person to person. Approximately two to three weeks after the commencement of radiation therapy, hair loss may commence.
Hair loss is typically caused by lower quantities of radiation. Permanent hair loss is more common with higher dosages. The hair’s pigment or texture may alter during the regrowth process, which typically takes place between three and six months after radiation therapy has been completed. Furthermore, the hair may regrow in a thinning or patchy manner.
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