Symptoms

A late effect of radiation tissue damage could occur from six months to over 30 years after an initial procedure. The side effects may vary with the location of the body that has been subjected to radiation. Since these signs take many years to manifest, it’s challenging to establish the link.

The cancer being treated usually affects the area where radiation signs of damage appear. However, they aren’t limited to the initial treatment site.

For instance:

People who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, which targets the pelvis using radiation, could experience symptoms that are not present in other areas, including:

• Rectal pain
• Abdominal pain
• Hematuria (blood found in urine)
• Rectal bleeding
• Proctitis
• Bloating
• Incontinence in the urinary tract
• Severe dysuria
• Erectile dysfunction

Patients who are treated for breast cancer could experience adverse side effects, for example:

• A chest wound that is not healing
• Changes to your skin
• Pneumonitis

Patients being treated for neck and head cancer might also experience other signs, like:

• Trouble swallowing
• Dry mouth, dry lips, and excessive dryness
• Jaw pain/infection
• Dental problems (i.e., cavities)

People who received treatment with radiation to treat brain cancer can experience symptoms like:

• Tingling or feeling of numbness
• Balance issues
• Trouble remembering
• Insufficiency of bladder or bowel function
• The legs or arms

Other indicators of late effect radiation tissue damage to tissues could be:

• On your stool, there is blood
• Painful bowel movements
• Bladder spasms
• Urinary urge that is constant

Why can radiation therapy cause adverse negative effects?

Radiation therapy with high doses is used to eliminate cancerous cells. These side effects result from destroying healthy cells and tissues surrounding the treatment site.

Recent advancements in research and technology for radiation therapy have improved the precision of this treatment. This has decreased the risk of adverse side effects compared to the previous radiation therapy methods.

Some people experience no adverse effects from radiation therapy. Or even none. Others experience more adverse severe negative effects.

The reactions to radiation therapy typically begin in the third or second week following treatment. They may also be present for several weeks following the treatment. Specific side effects could be permanent. Talk to your medical team regarding what to expect.

Are there alternatives to stop or manage these side effects?

Yes. Your health care provider can assist you in preventing or reducing the severity of adverse consequences. Prevention and treatment of the side effects are vital to the overall treatment of cancer. This is known as palliative or support care.

Before beginning treatment, ask whether there are any potential side effects with the particular treatment you will receive and the time they could occur. After treatment and throughout the process, inform your health care provider to be aware of how you’re experiencing.

Dealing with the late effect radiation tissue damage

There are a number of different treatments that can be used to manage radiation tissue damage. The exact course of treatment will depend on the severity of the damage and the location of the affected tissue. In some cases, simple measures such as rest and elevation may be sufficient to allow the tissue to heal. If the damage is more severe, however, more aggressive treatment may be necessary. This can include medications to reduce inflammation, physical therapy to improve range of motion, and surgery to repair damaged tissue. In any case, it is important to work with a medical professional to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets your specific needs.

Get Relief from Late Effect Radiation Tissue Damage

Medical experts at the Complex Healthcare Solution are experienced in treating late effect radiation tissue damage. This is often caused by radiotherapy treatments for cancer and can result in a number of side effects, including pain, inflammation, and scarring. These experts are able to offer a range of treatment options to help relieve these symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients. These include both medical and surgical therapies, as well as physical rehabilitation programs. With our professional help, patients can receive the treatment they need to manage their late effect radiation tissue damage and improve their overall health.