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Radiation therapy


Doctors use different types of radiation therapy to treat colon and rectal cancer. Sometimes people receive a combination of types:

  • External radiation
  • Internal radiation
  • Intraoperative radiation therapy
  • Stereotactic body radiation treatment (SBRT) or gamma knife

Side effects depend mainly on the amount of radiation given and the part of your body that is treated. They can include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools or urgent bowel movements
  • Urinary problems, such as being unable to stop the flow of urine from the bladder

Skin sensitivity in the treated area that may become red, dry and tender. The skin near the anus is especially sensitive

More resources


WHEN WILL I LOSE MY HAIR

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QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE TREATMENT

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TREATMENT OPTIONS BY STAGE OF DIAGNOSIS

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