Unexpected Twists and Turn in the Aftermath of Radiation Therapy

7. Shortness Of Breath

A common side effect seen in individuals who undergo radiation therapy is shortness of breath during and following treatment sessions. This symptom is most common in patients receiving radiation therapy targeted at their upper abdomen, neck, or chest. Most cases are also the result of radical radiotherapy, an intensive course of radiation used to cure cancer. Radiation therapy uses targeted beams of very concentrated particles or energy that damage the DNA of cancerous cells. This cellular DNA damage caused by the radiation beams inhibits the growth and division of cancerous cells if it does not eliminate them. While radiation therapy has come a long way, it can still damage the healthy tissues around the region being treated. Radiation beams can hit the fragile tissues of a patient's lungs, causing inflammation. This type of lung inflammation is referred to as acute radiation pneumonitis and causes shortness of breath.

8. Incontinence

Incontinence occurs when an individual has difficulties controlling their bladder. The bladder holds urine produced by the kidneys until it is ready to be excreted from the body. This adverse side effect develops when patients have radiation therapy in their lower abdomen or pelvis. Incontinence is reported most often in men who undergo radiation therapy to treat prostate cancer. Radiation beams can cause damage to the healthy cells lining an individual's urethra. This is the tube that urine uses to move from the bladder to the outside of the body. When these cells become damaged, the immune response causes inflammation in the patient's urethra. Urethral inflammation can cause an individual to leak urine unintentionally and have to urinate more frequently. Radiation beams can also hit the cells that line the inside of the bladder, causing damage and inflammation in those tissues. Bladder lining inflammation can cause involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles.