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Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It affects cancer cells only in the treated area.
Doctors use different types of radiation therapy to treat cancer. Sometimes people receive a combination of types:
Side effects depend mainly on the amount of radiation given and the part of your body that is treated.
Body Part |
Side Effect |
Abdomen and Pelvis |
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, or urgent bowel movements.
- Urinary problems, such as being unable to stop the flow of urine from the bladder
- Your skin in the treated area may become red, dry, and tender. The skin near the anus is especially sensitive.
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Overall |
- You are likely to become very tired during radiation therapy, especially in the later weeks of treatment.
- Resting is important, but doctors usually advise patients to try to stay as active as they can.
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Although the side effects of radiation therapy can be distressing, your doctor can usually treat or control them. Also, side effects usually go away after treatment.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Radiation Therapy
SIR-Spheres® Outpatient Radiation Treatment for the Management of Liver Tumors
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