Examples of Radiation Therapy Side Effects Area Receiving Radiation Side Effects During Treatment (acute effects)
Side Effects After Treatment (late effects)
Brain
Hair loss, dry scalp, darkening of scalp, nausea and vomiting, headaches Dry mouth, mouth sores, change in taste, difficulty swallowing and pain on swallowing, weight loss Irritation of throat or esophagus (food pipe), heartburn, difficulty swallowing
Decreased hormone production, potential for learning deficits, attention difficulties, hair loss Dry mouth, cavities, change in taste, decreased thyroid hormone production, cataracts Inflammation of lung and/or heart, lung fibrosis (stiffness of the lungs) Inflammation of the bowel, sterility, bowel obstruction, early signs of menopause Decreased or incomplete bone growth, fractures Darkening of the skin, slow wound healing, thickened skin
Head and neck
Chest
Abdomen and pelvis Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood counts*
Bones and limbs
Skin
Irritation (similar to a sunburn), dry skin, hair loss Feeling more tired than usual, sleeping more often
General
Secondary cancers
* Low refers to a drop in normal blood counts (the number of red blood cells [RBC], white blood cells [WBC], and platelets.) A low RBC count may be referred to as anemia ; a low WBC count may be referred to as neutropenia ; and a low platelet count may be referred to as thrombocytopenia .
n SHOULD I DO ANYTHING SPECIAL WHILE MY CHILD RECEIVES RADIATION THERAPY?
Skin Care Skin changes in the treatment area are very common. Skin may appear to have a mild sunburn, become darker in color, or even blister and peel. Good skin care is very important during radiation therapy. You should check the skin in the radiation area every day and notify your child’s doctor or nurse about any changes. Skin in the radiation area should be cleaned with mild soap and warm (not hot) water; avoid scrubbing the skin. Your child’s healthcare team will discuss with you how best to care for your child’s skin during radiation. Special skin creams may be provided. Skin care products, perfumes, and deodorants should not be used in the radiation area unless your child’s radiation team approves of their use. To prevent further skin breakdown, your child should avoid wearing harsh fabrics, such as wool or denim, tight-fitting clothes over the treatment area, and elastic bands or straps on the treatment area that may cause irritation.
7
Powered by FlippingBook