Fatigue can persist for months after radiation treatment.
Lung radiation can cause esophagitis and pneumonitis as side effects.
Prostate radiation can lead to urinary frequency, rectal bleeding, and long-term erectile dysfunction.
Deep dives
Systemic radiation effects
Systemic radiation effects such as fatigue, cytopenias, and immunosuppression can occur during radiation treatment. Fatigue is a common side effect that can persist for months after treatment. Cytopenias, or low blood cell counts, may occur during treatment but are unlikely to persist afterwards. Immunocompromised status is more likely to be related to concurrent chemotherapy rather than radiation alone.
Lung radiation side effects
During lung radiation, patients may experience radiation esophagitis, which can cause chest discomfort and difficulty swallowing. Radiation pneumonitis can occur several months after treatment, causing shortness of breath and chest infiltrates. These side effects are location-specific and often resolve with time. Cardiac toxicities are rare with modern radiation techniques.
Breast radiation side effects
Breast radiation can cause skin reactions, including dermatitis and contracture of breast tissue. Late complications may include lymphedema, pneumonitis, and rare cardiac toxicities. Side effects are usually superficial and noticeable only to the patient.
Prostate radiation side effects
Acute side effects of prostate radiation may involve increased urinary frequency, loose stools, and rectal bleeding. Erectile dysfunction and pelvic insufficiency fractures are common long-term side effects. Rare late complications include cystitis and cardiotoxicity.
Brain radiation side effects
Brain radiation can cause a variety of neurologic side effects, including seizures, focal deficits, and short-term memory impairment. Memory loss is more common with whole brain radiation, while targeted radiation has fewer side effects. Differentiating between radiation-induced symptoms and disease progression can be challenging.
How long can fatigue last for after radiation? Are all patient post radiation immunocompromised? What are the potential acute and long-term side effects after lung, breast, prostate and brain radiation?
Tags: IMCore, CoreIM, cancer, tumor, internal medicine podcast, hospitalist, heme/onc, rad onc, EBRT, brachytherapy
Find the best disability insurance for you: https://www.patternlife.com/disability-insurance?campid=497840
Our Sponsors: * Check out Thrive Market for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! : https://thrivemarket.com/coreim * Sponsor: FIGS! Use code FIGSRX for 15% off: https://wearfigs.com
