External-Beam Radiation

The most common side effect of radiation therapy is fatigue. Fatigue is caused by your body using more energy to handle the demands of treatment. Fatigue is usually cumulative. It may linger for weeks after treatment ends. This type of fatigue is in addition to the fatigue that may be caused by the disease itself. (For information about dealing with fatigue, click here.) 

Other side effects that commonly occur with radiation treatment follow (in alphabetical order). As you review them, please keep in mind that we are all different and we all react differently. There is no way to predict what will happen to any individual. 

Anxiety: Radiation is generally accompanied by anxiety. The psychological burden will be easier if a person close to you goes with you to at least the first few radiation treatments. For information about coping with anxiety, click here. 

Hair loss is to be expected on the part of the body to which the radiation is targeted, but not otherwise. For information, click here 

Hard stool may be a result depending on the part of the body to which radiation is targeted. For information, see Constipation. 

Nausea/Vomiting/Dry Heaves may accompany radiation. For additional information, click here 

Pain: Radiation is generally painless when given, though the area may become tender and sore.  (For information about pain and how to relieve it, click here) 

Skin changes:

• The skin where the radiation rays enter your body may become tender and sore. Generally any pain is mild - like a sunburn.
• If a tattoo is used to help assure proper positioning, it may be permanent. However, the tattoos are usually small and not readily noticeable. Some people come to think of them as badges of courage: that you have had something and gotten through it. 
• For information about skin changes from treatment and how to deal with them, click here.

Tattoo: If a tattoo is used to help assure proper positioning, it may be permanent. However, the tattoos are usually small and not readily noticeable. Some people come to think of them as badges of courage: that you have had something and gotten through it. 

Depending on the part of your body being treated, you may also have: 

• Diarrhea
• Hair loss in the treatment area  
• Mouth problems
  • Mouth sores  
  • Dry Mouth 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Sexual changes 
• Swelling 
• Trouble swallowing
• Urinary and bladder changes

Most of these side effects go away within two months after radiation therapy is finished

To learn about the other potential side effects of radiation depending on the area of the body treated, see The National Cancer Institute chart at:www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/radiation-therapy-and-you/page7 

NOTE: For information about oral hygiene during radiation, click here.

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