Radiation therapy in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy, is used to treat bladder cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, or ACS. After surgery, radiation can kill small deposits of cancer cells that weren't visible during surgery. External beam radiation therapy uses a linear accelerator to create high-energy beams that kill cancer cells. Internal radiation therapy, or brachytherapy, places radioactive material directly into the cancer. Effects depend on the type of radiation used, the dose of radiation and the site being treated, according to the American Society of Radiation Oncology.
Effects on Elimination
Radiation therapy may cause irritation of both the bladder and the bowel. According to the National Cancer Institute, or NCI, individuals may feel urinary discomfort and an increased need to go to the bathroom, or experience abdominal cramping and pressure, and diarrhea may occur. Burning may also occur with urination. These effects are usually temporary and will improve after the radiation is finished.
Nausea and Vomiting
Abdominal cramping as an effect of radiation therapy may also cause nausea and vomiting. Medications may be used to control these problems.
Fatigue
A feeling of tiredness or fatigue is a common effect when receiving radiation. Treatments may last up to six weeks and fatigue is greater toward the end of therapy, according to the National Cancer Institute. Sleep patterns may change. Rest and maintaining a normal lifestyle is recommended by most doctors to treat fatigue.
Effects on Skin and Hair
Radiation may affect the skin much like sunburn. The treated area may permanently darken or appear bronze in color, according to the National Cancer Institute. Hair loss in the pubic or treatment area where the radiation is aimed is common, but hair loss on the head will not occur, according to the American Society of Radiation Oncology. Hair may grow back a different color or texture.
Effects on Sexual Function
Radiation therapy for bladder cancer may cause vaginal dryness in women and men may be unable to achieve an erection, according to the National Cancer Institute. If these effects occur, a discussion with the doctor is needed to determine corrective treatments.
Effects on Blood
According to the American Cancer Society, low blood counts may occur with radiation therapy. White blood cells, the cells that fight infection in the body, and platelets, the cells that help blood clot, are formed in the bone marrow. If large areas of bone marrow are in the radiation field, low blood counts occur. The doctor will monitor blood counts carefully, and if low blood counts occur, he may change the radiation treatment, according to the NCI.
Long-term Effects
Most effects from radiation resolve after treatments stop, but long-term problems may occur, according to the ACS. Incontinence, or the inability to hold urine, sometimes develops. If radiation damages the lining of the bladder, it is called radiation cystitis, and there may be blood in the urine or pain with urination. There are treatments available to manage long-term effects of radiation.
