The primary aim of radiation is to eradicate as many tumor cells as necessary without causing harm to healthy cells. Though this therapy is quite effective, it could be accompanied by side effects that can range from mild to severe. Late side effects can happen months to years after you receive radiation therapy. Diarrhea is common, but usually can be controlled with over-the-counter medicines. “Not necessarily,” says Yale Medicine radiation oncologist Lynn Wilson, MD, who is the chair of Therapeutic Radiology and a professor of therapeutic radiology at Yale School of Medicine. These include the dose of radiation, the number of treatments, and your overall health. Late side effects of radiation therapy may be permanent. Side effects tend to be most significant toward the end of your radiation treatment. Radiation therapy employs high doses of radiation therapy to kill cancer cells. You may start to notice side effects about 2 weeks after you start treatment. “It will depend on what side effects you experience—and how severe they are. This article would give you some information on the short-term and long-term side effects. Most side effects are temporary, can be controlled and generally disappear over time once treatment … However, adverse side effects can occur due to the fact that radiation therapy can harm healthy cells and tissues in the areas nearby the tumor site. Oral Side Effects of Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy is one of the treatment options that is recommended for lung cancer. Many patients are able to go to work, keep house, and enjoy leisure activities while they are receiving radiation therapy.” Severe fatigue, which may not start until about 2 weeks after treatment begins, is also common. The side effects of radiation therapy depend on the area of the body that receives radiation. Doctors may recommend this therapy in combination with others, such as … You may experience skin redness similar to a mild sunburn. Early side effects are usually observed within two weeks after starting radiation therapy and can continue up until one month after the treatment has begun. Side effects after radiation therapy depend on which part of your spine is treated. The type and how severe they are depends on many things. Radiation can be an effective treatment for breast cancer, but it does have side effects. Side effects from radiation therapy differ significantly depending on the type of treatment and which tissues are treated. Side Effects of Treatment You may have side effects from radiation therapy. Early side effects happen shortly after you receive radiation therapy. Radiation therapy side effects depend on which part of your body is being exposed to radiation and how much radiation is used. Your treatment team will explain all possible side effects for any radiation therapy … After your sessions are complete, it may be several days or weeks before side effects clear up. Although this therapy is beneficial, it also has serious side effects, all of which decrease the patient's quality of life. If your doctor treats your upper part of your spine, you may get a sore throat. Radiation therapy is used in the treatment or palliation of head and neck cancer patients. Common side effects of radiation therapy include tiredness, upset stomach, or loose stools. The side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer depend on the type of radiation therapy you’re having (external or internal/brachytherapy), the technique (whole-breast or partial-breast radiation), and the area being treated (the breast or an area where the … The side effects of radiation therapy can be split into two broad categories: early and late effects. You may experience no side effects, or you may experience several. Side effects of radiation therapy Short-term side effects.