Unexpected Twists and Turn in the Aftermath of Radiation Therapy

9. Diarrhea

Radiation therapy is not perfectly targeted at cancerous cells in the body. Thus, it can cause unintentional damage to healthy cells in the area being treated. The large intestine is comprised of an interior lining with features that allow it to absorb fluids from the stool that moves through it. Radiation beams can damage the healthy cells that make up the lining of the large intestine, impairing its ability to absorb fluid properly. Diarrhea is the adverse effect that results from this malfunction. Individuals undergoing treatment with radiation therapy aimed at certain areas of their body may experience frequent diarrhea. A patient being treated for any malignancy located in their abdomen or pelvis is most likely to experience diarrhea during their treatment period.

10. Radiation Fibrosis

A patient may develop radiation fibrosis as an adverse side effect of radiation therapy. Radiation fibrosis is when a patient incurs extensive damage and injury to the soft tissues in their body. Radiation fibrosis is most common among individuals who undergo radiation therapy to treat a malignancy in their head or neck. Any type of soft tissue in the radiation field can develop radiation fibrosis. This includes the blood vessels, skin, nerves, connective tissues, and muscles. A patient may experience trismus, a restriction in how far they can open their mouth, and problems swallowing due to fibrosis of the throat muscles. They may develop lymphedema of their neck and head when the lymph nodes and vessels in these areas develop radiation fibrosis because they can no longer effectively drain extra fluid from the tissues. Cervical dystonia, the spasm, pain, and tightness in the neck can develop due to radiation fibrosis in the muscles controlling the neck's movement.