Many people do not develop significant side effects during radiation treatment. If you are considering radiation therapy as part of your cancer treatment, it is important to know what side effects are possible so you can make a good decision about the treatment that is right for you.
Fatigue, or mild tiredness, may develop starting in the middle of the treatment course. However, tiredness from radiation should improve within a few weeks after radiation treatment ends.
Hair loss, may occur but only in the area being treated.
Mild skin irritation, itchy or red scalp and/or dry peeling of the skin may occur with external beam radiation. Clean the area regularly with mild soap and warm water.
Headaches are a common side effect of any treatment for brain tumors.
Decreased or muffled hearing may occur. Additionally, you may experience inflammation of the ear canal with irritation, discharge, dizziness or sense of “fullness.”
Radiation may also cause short-term memory loss, difficulty thinking and slowness in completing tasks.
