High-energy ionizing radiation, used during anti-tumor radiotherapy, can also damage healthy cells that surround a tumor.
In the immediate future, the consequences of such damage are temporary and of little concern; in the long term, however, they could also give rise to serious side effects.
These side effects - which could also be defined as long-term complications - consist of:
In women, infertility and early menopause. These are two typical consequences of women who have undergone radiotherapy for the treatment of ovarian cancer. For patients still in childbearing age, it is advisable to discuss what to do with your doctor and evaluate the hypothesis of egg freezing.
In men, infertility. It is a possible consequence of radiotherapy practiced in the pelvic area or on the testicles. Since it could be a permanent condition, it is advisable to discuss the possibility of sperm freezing with your doctor.
Changes in skin appearance. The skin could become thicker, slightly darker and characterized by dimples.
Urinary and / or fecal incontinence. They generally occur during radiotherapy treatments performed at the pelvic / abdominal level.
Lymphedema. It is a lymph stagnation that appears due to damage to the lymphatic system.
Second malignant neoplasm. According to some studies, radiotherapy would favor the appearance, after many years, of other malignant tumors.
