High-energy ionizing radiation, used during anti-tumor radiotherapy, can also damage healthy cells that surround a tumor.
In the immediate future, cellular damage can occur with temporary and resolvable consequences, generally, once the radiotherapy treatment has ended.
These consequences consist of:
Irritated skin. The signs resemble those of a sunburn and disappear, generally, after a couple of weeks after the radiotherapy has ended.
Feeling tired. It usually has its peak at the end of radiotherapy. One of the causes is the state of anemia induced by the treatment.
Nausea and malaise. They occur in the case of radiotherapy in the abdomen.
Loss of hair and cutaneous hair. It is localized only in the area where ionizing radiation arrives.
Loss of appetite. If it occurs, it is best to consult a dietician to avoid the onset of malnutrition.
Diarrhea. Typical of abdomen radiotherapy, it usually resolves at the end of the treatment.
Difficulty swallowing. They are typical of chest radiotherapy, as this causes inflammation of the esophagus.
Poor libido and, for man, erection deficit.
Joint and muscle stiffness. They appear shortly after treatment begins and tend to improve if certain physiotherapy exercises are performed regularly.
