Radiation is a form of cancer treatment that utilizes high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells at the site of therapy application. Patients with brain cancer or brain metastasis may choose whole brain radiation therapy to help treat these forms of cancer. The side effects of whole brain radiation should be discussed with a medical professional before a patient selects this form of cancer therapy.
Learning and Memory Problems
Though whole brain radiation can destroy cancerous brain cells, it can also destroy healthy brain cells. The death of healthy brain cells can lead to learning and memory problems in patients treated with this form of cancer therapy. In fact, approximately 50 percent of patients who receive whole brain radiation experience impaired cognitive function, according to medical professionals at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Additionally, affected patients can experience speech or hearing problems following receipt of whole brain radiation. Unfortunately, these side effects of whole brain radiation are typically permanent and can become worse with subsequent radiation treatments.
Brain Swelling and Headache
Whole brain radiation can irritate and inflame a patient's brain matter. When this occurs, the brain can abnormally swell and expand, a side effect of whole brain radiation called edema, explain health experts with RadiologyInfo.org. Increased pressure in the brain caused by edema can lead to severe or recurrent headache symptoms in affected patients.
Growth Abnormalities
Certain patients--especially young children--who receive whole brain radiation can experience growth abnormalities as a side effect of treatment. This form of radiation can affect the pituitary gland, a region in the brain that is responsible for producing certain types of growth hormones. Inadequate growth hormone levels in the body following whole brain radiation can lead to shortened height or stature, explains Dr. Hui-Kuo Shu, an assistant professor with the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. A doctor may recommend growth hormone replacement therapy to account for these radiation-induced deficits.
Hair Loss and Skin Irritation
Treatment with whole brain radiation can cause hair loss in patients, warn medical professionals with the website Living with Brain Mets. Hair loss typically occurs progressively throughout whole brain radiation therapy. Certain patients can also experience skin irritation along the scalp or ears following treatment. Though these side effects of whole brain radiation can be uncomfortable or embarrassing to affected patients, hair loss and skin irritation typically resolve within a few months following the end of treatment.
Nausea, Vomiting and Fatigue
Stomach-upset symptoms can arise in patients who receive whole brain radiation therapy. Affected patients may feel nauseous or vomit after treatment, explain medical professionals with RadiologyInfo.org. These stomach-upset symptoms can lead to a decreased appetite in certain cancer patients. Whole brain radiation therapy can also cause excessive fatigue in treated patients. As a result, patients may nap frequently throughout the day, or can experience difficulty remaining alert and attentive. These side effects of whole brain radiation therapy typically subside within a few months after treatment ends.
References
- RadiologyInfo.org: Brain Tumors - What Are Possible Side Effects of Radiation Therapy?
- Living with Brain Mets: Treatment Options
- American Cancer Society: Possible Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
- OncoLink: Effects of Whole Brain Radiation
- MD Anderson Cancer Center: Whole Brain Radiation Increases Risk of Learning and Memory Problems...
