Side effects of radiation therapy are divided into “acute” and “late” side effects, with the former, such as fatigue, skin damage, nausea, and diarrhea, usually occurring 1 to 2 weeks after treatment begins and gradually improving weeks after treatment ends; the latter, such as radiation esophagitis, radiation pneumonia, or heart damage, may occur weeks or even years after radiation therapy. The latter, such as radiation esophagitis, radiation pneumonia or heart damage, may not appear until weeks or even years after radiotherapy.
The occurrence of adverse reactions is related to the dose, extent, and modality of radiation therapy, as well as individual sensitivity, and varies from person to person. Before radiation therapy, your doctor will carefully assess the risks and minimize the dose of exposure to innocent vital organs; you should follow your doctor’s orders for home care and follow-up during treatment, and communicate with your doctor if you have any discomfort.