Radiation's troublesome impacts: migraines, hair thinning, exhaustion, and additional symptoms persist
**Common Short-Term Side Effects of External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): A Comprehensive Overview**
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) is a widely-used treatment for various types of cancer, involving high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. While EBRT is an effective method, it can also cause a range of short-term side effects.
**Skin Reactions** The most frequently reported short-term side effect is skin irritation in the irradiated area, similar to a sunburn. The skin may become red, dry, peel, or feel moist and tender. These reactions are usually temporary and subside after treatment ends.
**Fatigue** Patients often experience tiredness or fatigue during the course of treatment, which can persist for a few weeks after completing therapy.
**Site-Specific Symptoms** Depending on the area being treated, patients may notice localized symptoms such as hair loss in the treatment area, inflammation or tenderness, and sometimes pain or discomfort at the site. For example, breast radiation can cause breast or chest wall discomfort and swelling.
**General Systemic Effects** Some patients may experience systemic symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headaches, loss of appetite, and irritability, although these are more common with treatments targeting certain areas like the brain or abdomen.
**Organ-Specific Effects** When treating the chest or lungs, shortness of breath, cough, fullness in the chest, and even fever may occur due to inflammation of the lung tissue (radiation pneumonitis). Difficulty swallowing can develop if the treatment affects the esophagus.
A summary table of common short-term side effects is provided below:
| Side Effect | Description | Frequency | |----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|------------------| | Skin irritation | Redness, dryness, peeling, sensitivity | Very common | | Fatigue | Tiredness, lack of energy | Common | | Hair loss | Localized loss in treated area | Common | | Pain/discomfort | At treatment site (e.g., breast, chest wall) | Common | | Nausea/vomiting | Especially with abdominal or brain irradiation | Less common | | Headaches | Especially with cranial irradiation | Less common | | Breathlessness/cough | With lung/chest irradiation | Variable | | Difficulty swallowing | With neck/chest irradiation | Variable |
**Additional Notes** - Skin changes are almost universal and typically resolve within weeks after treatment ends. - Fatigue is common but usually improves after treatment completion. - Organ-specific effects depend on the area treated and can include both local and systemic symptoms. - Severe or unusual symptoms should always be reported to the healthcare team for prompt assessment and management.
Most short-term side effects are manageable and temporary, though individual experiences can vary based on the radiation dose, treatment area, and personal sensitivity. It is essential to communicate with the healthcare team about any side effects that arise during radiation therapy.
For those undergoing systemic radiation, precautions should be taken to protect others from radiation exposure, such as maintaining a 6-foot distance from household members, avoiding close contact with infants, children, pregnant women, and pets, and washing clothing, towels, and bedding separately. In some cases, patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days until their body no longer gives off radiation.
References: [1] American Cancer Society. (2021). Radiation therapy side effects. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/radiation/side-effects-of-radiation-therapy.html [2] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Radiation therapy and cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/radiation-therapy [3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Radiation therapy for cancer. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/radiation-therapy/about/pac-20394590 [4] Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (2021). Radiation therapy. Retrieved from https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/radiation-therapy [5] American Society for Radiation Oncology. (2021). Radiation therapy side effects. Retrieved from https://www.rtanswers.org/patients/side-effects/common-side-effects
- The effects of EBRT on skin health and wellness are quite common, with skin irritation akin to sunburn often observed.
- Besides skin-related issues, chronic fatigue is often experienced by patients during and after the treatment course.
- In addition to these general side effects, there can be site-specific symptoms such as hair loss in the treatment area, pain or discomfort, and even organ-specific effects like difficulty swallowing.
- Cancer treatments like EBRT can also have systemic influences, with symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting, headaches, to breathing difficulties and mental health challenges.
- Adhering to proper nutrition and engaging in fitness and exercise, as well as practicing good skin care, can potentially aid in mitigating some of these side effects during and after the treatment for various medical conditions and chronic diseases, including cancer.
