The American Cancer Society reports that non-Hodgkin's lymphoma accounts for 4 percent of all cancers, striking approximately 65,000 people in 2009. A lymphoma is a cancer of the cells of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is responsible for keeping the body free from infection. The treatment of lymphoma is largely dependent upon the type of lymphoma and the stage of the cancer. Radiation treatments are common in the treatment of lymphoma. The procedure, while painless, carries many side effects.
Skin Irritation
Patients undergoing radiation therapy may experience a sunburn-type rash during the course of the treatment. All radiation treatments must pass through the skin causing skin to become irritated and red or itchy and dry. Patients may ask physicians about lotions and creams that can help with skin irritation. Patients should be very careful about products such as detergent, deodorants and soaps, as the ingredients may further irritate the skin. Talking with oncology professionals may help patients make better decisions regarding which products are safe. Skin returns to normal once treatment is completed.
Fatigue
Radiation works by killing the cancerous cells. Radiation also weakens the immune system and kills off the healthy cells causing stress to the body. This increased stress creates a feeling of generalized weakness and fatigue. Patients undergoing radiation treatments often feel too tired to perform daily tasks. Once radiotherapy is completed, a patient's fatigue should disappear.
Loss of Appetite
Patients often report a lack of appetite while being treated with radiation therapy. This occurs most often when patients are receiving radiotherapy treatments to the head, neck or abdomen. The American Cancer Society encourages patients to follow a few simple tips during radiotherapy to help keep themselves nutritionally healthy. Patients are encouraged to eat when hungry, no matter what the time of day. Varying your diet can help make food seem more interesting and appetizing. Patients should keep snacks with them so that they can eat when the mood strikes. Eating with friends and family may help patients to eat more at meals.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Radiation therapy to the stomach may cause nausea and vomiting. Radiation to the intestines may cause diarrhea. The extent of the symptoms varies greatly among patients. Patients may feel that nausea and vomiting increase with the smell of foods or anxiety prior to treatment. Anti-nausea medications may help manage the nausea if taken prior to treatment. Patients may also benefit from not eating before treatment. Physicians can help patients deal with diarrhea with the use of anti-diarrheal medications. Patients should avoid spicy, fried or high fiber foods.
Infertility
Radiation to the ovaries or testes can cause infertility. LymphomaInfo.net warns that for women this may cause early menopause and in men, it may mean a decreased sperm count. Doctors attempt to shield the reproductive organs, but this may not be effective. During radiotherapy, patients should use birth control as radiation therapy may cause birth defects. Infertility may be temporary or permanent. Patients may choose to harvest and freeze sperm or eggs prior to treatment in order to have a biological child later in life.
