Radiation therapy can be used to treat a variety of cancers often in combination with surgery or chemotherapy. The types of side effects that may occur with radiation treatment depend on which area of the body is being treated. Some side effects of radiation happen in both men and women, but some side effects are specific to women.
Skin Changes
According to the American Cancer Society, radiation therapy causes less skin damage than in the past because most of the radiation dose goes directly underneath the skin. However, the skin may still show some changes like dryness, itchiness or a change in color of the skin. The hair on the skin in the area that is being treated typically falls out as well. The patient should protect the area from the sun because the skin is more sensitive and likely to burn.
Fatigue
As noted on the Cleveland Clinic website, some patients develop fatigue after a few weeks of therapy. The exact cause of the fatigue is unknown but can be related to low blood counts, medications or even the cancer itself according to the American Cancer Society. This lack of energy may require that the patient alter his or her daily routine in order to compensate and may last until after the radiation therapy has stopped.
Mouth Problems
Head and neck radiation can cause problems with the mouth and throat as noted on the American Cancer Society website. The patient may develop sores in the mouth or dry mouth symptoms; the patient may also develop tooth decay due to the radiation.
Chest Issues
When a woman receives radiation for breast cancer or other cancers involving the chest area, the patient may develop lung problems because of scarring of the lungs, according to the American Cancer Society. Blood clots may also form during radiation therapy according to the Breastcancer.org website; this side effect requires urgency medical care. Patients receiving radiation to the chest area also can develop an irritation to the esophagus, as noted on the American Cancer Society website.
Impact on Sexuality
Radiation to the pelvis can cause inflammation of the vagina; this can lead to scarring, shortening of the vagina and pain with sexual intercourse, according to the American Cancer Society. The walls of the vagina can also become thin, which can cause bleeding after sex.
Infertility
Women can also experience premature menopause after radiation therapy to the pelvis; the ovaries may be damaged and stop functioning. Ovarian damage can also lead to infertility even if menopause does not begin. According to the American Cancer Society, this may be avoided if one ovary can be spared from radiation therapy. There uterus can also become scarred after pelvic radiation, which can make it difficult for the uterus to grow to support a pregnancy in the future.
