The side effects of radiation treatment tend to be more severe among pediatric patients regardless of where in the body the treatment is administered. These effects can appear shortly after or even as early as during the radiation therapy. Unfortunately, the late side effects of radiation can emerge even years after the radiation was received. Some side effects, such as secondary cancers or effects on growth rate, can appear regardless of the radiation site. Most side effects only affect the location that received the radiation therapy, however.
Short-Term Side Effects in Children
Radiation to the brain or spine can cause side effects even during the radiation therapy. According to the MayoClinic.com, these side effects tend to be more severe when the radiation is combined with chemotherapy or when the child has received a large dose of radiation. Side effects typically start during the treatments and last from a couple of hours to a few months. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, fatigue and hair loss. Skin irritation, such as dryness, redness, or peeling can also be seen.
Brain and Spine Radiation Side Effects
According to Caring4Cancer.com, a sore mouth is a common side effect of radiation to the head and neck. It is caused by inflammation of the lining of the mouth and throat. Radiation to this area can also damage the mucosal lining. This can cause inflammation, pain and an increased risk for infections. Because of this, good oral hygiene and the use of antiseptic mouthwash is crucial during and after a radiation treatment to the head and spine. Another common side effect related to this area is chronic dry mouth. It is caused by damage to the salivary glands. This condition can impair a patient's ability to chew, swallow, speak and taste. Some children also experience changes in taste or smells. This can make food taste bitter or have a metallic taste. This kind of symptom typically disappears as soon as the radiation therapy is over. Depending on the radiation site, a patient may also experience cognitive problems, such as difficulties in learning and memory. Some children also have language related problems and others report changes in personality.
Late Side Effects in Pediatric Cancer Survivors
Children who have received radiation for any part of their body tend to be shorter and weigh less than healthy children, says Dr. James G. Gurney and colleagues in a study published in the 88th volume of the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism" in 2003. The younger the child is when he receives radiation, the more severely this treatment is likely to affect his rate of growth, the authors state. Cancer survivors can sometimes develop another cancer type as a result of radiation that they received for the first cancer. Such cancers are much more likely among the survivors of pediatric cancer than among adults regardless of the location of the cancer, says the MayoClinic.com. According to Dr. James G. Gurney and colleagues, survivors of pediatric brain cancer are also at a heightened risk for developing a stroke and blood clots as adults. The authors state in a study published in the February 2003 issue of "Cancer" journal that this increase is due to the radiation that the patient received as a child.
References
- "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism"; Final Height and Body Mass Index among Adult Survivors of Childhood Brain Cancer;J. G. Gurney et al.; 2003
- MayoClinic.com: Cancer survivors--Managing Late Effects of Cancer Treatment
- Caring4Cancer.com: Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
- "Cancer"; Endocrine and Cardiovascular Late Effects Among Adult Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumors; James G. Gurney et al.; February 2003
