Side Effects Of Radiation For Uterine Cancer

Learn more about possible side effects.

Side effects of radiation for uterine cancer.

For endometrial cancer the radiation is usually directed at the entire pelvis. Diarrhea is common but usually can be controlled with over the counter medicines. Radiation therapy to the pelvis is commonly used to treat women with lower gastrointestinal tract cancers as well as gynecologic cancers such as cervical cancer ovarian cancer and uterine cancer. Side effects of radiation therapy will depend mainly on the size of the area being treated the specific area or organs being treated the total dose of radiation and the treatment schedule.

They are usually mild and last for a few days or weeks. Because brachytherapy focuses radiation in a small treatment area only that area is affected. Because the radiation therapy is administered to the pelvis though there are certain side effects that are common among these patients. Radiation therapy has side effects because it not only kills or slows the growth of cancer cells it can also affect nearby healthy cells.

The side effects of radiation therapy may include fatigue diarrhea urinary problems and vaginal scarring or dryness. Many people who get radiation therapy experience fatigue. Side effects of brachytherapy are specific to the area being treated. Everyone is different and the side effects vary from person to person.

Side effects can include. You may experience tenderness and swelling in the treatment area. Radiation therapy can be used to prevent local cancer recurrences after surgery adjuvant therapy or for the treatment of recurrent cancer. The objective of radiation therapy is to kill uterine cancer cells for a maximum probability of cure or palliation with a minimum of side effects.

Side effects of internal radiotherapy brachytherapy tend to happen about 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. Radiation therapy may also be given as implants temporarily inserted into the vagina a procedure known as brachytherapy. You may not have all of the effects mentioned. Some common side effects of radiation therapy used for uterine cancer are.

Common side effects of radiation therapy include tiredness upset stomach or loose stools. Other side effects depend on the part of the body that is being treated. This information may help women and their clinicians more accurately weigh the potential benefits versus harms of adjuvant therapy said the trial s. Women undergoing radiation therapy for cervical or uterine cancer have a much higher incidence of serious side effects than previously realized according to results from a new clinical trial.

Side effects of internal radiotherapy.