One treatment option for cervical cancer is radiation therapy. The patient can receive radiation in one of two ways--externally or internally. In external beam radiation therapy, an outside source delivers high-energy rays to the body--similar to an X-ray. In internal radiation procedures, a doctor places the radioactive material inside either the vagina or inside the tumor itself. Both types of radiation can have similar side effects, even if the treatment is delivered in slightly different ways.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Some patients with cervical cancer who receive radiation therapy develop gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. According to the American Cancer Society, these symptoms tend to be worse if chemotherapy is given at the same time as the radiation therapy.
Low Red and White Blood Cell Levels
Radiation for cervical cancer can also affect the numbers of both red blood cells and white blood cells in the patient. Anemia, which is low numbers of red blood cells, can cause fatigue and shortness of breath, according to the Cancer Supportive Care website. Leukopenia, or low white blood cell counts, can lead to chronic infections. Both of these conditions improve after the radiation therapy ends.
Fatigue
During radiation therapy, the patient may become very tired. According to the American Cancer Society, the exact cause for the fatigue is not fully understood. The condition may be related to the anemia or poor nutrition, which could be related to the gastrointestinal problems.
Urinary Problems
Radiation therapy to the abdomen and pelvis can cause irritation of the bladder. According to the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania website, these patients may develop cystitis, which is burning with urination, as well as increased urgency and frequency. These symptoms generally resolve after the completion of the radiation therapy.
Fertility Issues
Radiation can damage both the ovaries and the uterus, as the American Cancer Society notes. The damage to the ovaries can cause premature menopause and infertility, while the damage to the uterus can cause scarring and make it difficult for the uterus to grow during a future pregnancy.
Vaginal Problems
As noted on the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania website, the vagina may also be more susceptible to infection during radiation treatment. As a long-term side effect, radiation therapy may cause shortening and narrowing of the vagina because of the development of scar tissue. The patient may also develop vaginal dryness, which could impact sexual function.
Bone Changes
Radiation to the pelvis may cause softening of the pelvic bones; this could lead to bone fractures over time, according to the American Cancer Society. These fractures may occur years after the radiation therapy.
Local Skin Changes
Radiation therapy can cause skin changes in the area that is being treated; this may be more common with external radiation, as noted on the Cancer Compass website. The skin may appear red and scaly, and later the skin may become darker. The patient may also lose hair in the area. Protecting the affected area from the sun is important.
References
- Cancer Supportive Care: Anemia Causes and Treatment
- American Cancer Society: Possible Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
- American Cancer Society: Cervical Cancer-Radiation
- Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania: Side Effects of Radiation for Cervical Cancer
- Cancer Compass: Cervical Cancer
