What are the most common side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer?
The main short-term side effects of external beam radiation therapy to the breast are:
- Swelling in the breast.
- Skin changes in the treated area similar to a sunburn (redness, skin peeling, darkening of the skin)
- Fatigue.
What are the after effects of radium treatment?
Damage to healthy cells can cause side effects. Many people who get radiation therapy have fatigue….Treatment Areas and Possible Side Effects.
| Part of the Body Being Treated | Possible Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Stomach and Abdomen | Diarrhea Fatigue Hair loss Nausea and vomiting Skin changes Urinary and bladder changes |
What are the negative effects of radiation therapy?
Specific side effects of radiation therapy that affect parts of the body
- Headaches.
- Hair loss.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Hearing loss.
- Skin and scalp changes.
- Trouble with memory and speech.
What happens after radiation treatment for breast cancer?
Long-term effects of radiation therapy. Some survivors experience breathlessness, a dry cough, and/or chest pain 2 to 3 months after finishing radiation therapy. That is because radiation therapy can cause swelling and a hardening or thickening of the lungs called fibrosis.
Does breast radiation make you sick?
Nausea can be a side effect of many breast cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapies. Nausea can also be caused by many of the pain medications you may be taking along with your breast cancer treatment.
How soon after radiation do side effects start?
Reactions to the radiation therapy often start during the second or third week of treatment. Or, they may last for several weeks after the final treatment. Some side effects may be long term.
How do you feel better after radiation treatment?
What can you do to take care of yourself during radiation therapy treatment?
- Be sure to get plenty of rest.
- Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
- Take care of the skin in the treatment area.
- Do not wear tight clothes over the treatment area.
- Do not rub, scrub, or use adhesive tape on treated skin.
Does radiation make you lose weight?
Radiotherapy to your head and neck area can make you lose weight because you might have: a sore or dry mouth. a poor appetite. taste changes due to treatment.
How long will my breast hurt after radiation?
Your breast or chest area may appear swollen and feel uncomfortable. This usually settles within a few weeks after treatment. If it continues after this time, talk to your specialist or breast care nurse as you may need to be seen and assessed by a lymphoedema specialist.
What are the side effects of radiation for breast cancer?
Common side effects during treatment may include: 1 Mild to moderate fatigue 2 Skin irritation — such as itchiness, redness, peeling or blistering — similar to what you might experience with a sunburn 3 Breast swelling 4 Changes in skin sensation
Are there any side effects after radiation treatment?
These side effects tend to be short-term, mild, and treatable. They’re usually gone within a few weeks after treatment ends. The most common early side effects are fatigue (feeling tired) and skin changes.
Why does my breast shrink after radiation treatment?
This is due to a side effect called radiation fibrosis. This side effect is usually mild. Sometimes the breast can shrink over time. This is because radiotherapy can make the breast tissue contract so that the breast gradually gets smaller.
What are the side effects of radium Ra 223?
More common 1 Black, tarry stools 2 bleeding gums 3 bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet 4 blood in the urine or stools 5 chest pain 6 chills 7 cough 8 fever 9 lower back or side pain 10 painful or difficult urination