Side Effects of Radiation Treatment to Meningioma

Each year, approximately 13,000 Americans are diagnosed with mengiomas, according to the Brain Science Foundation. A mengioma is a type of cancer that affects the outermost layers that surround the brain.

Background

• Surgery is the most common treatment for meningiomas, but in some cases, the size or location of the tumor makes it inoperable. In such cases, doctors use radiation treatments to destroy the tumor cells, but this causes some side effects.

Types of Side Effects

• Side effects of brain radiation treatments include hair loss, hearing problems, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, loss of appetite, difficulty speaking, memory loss and headaches. Dryness, itching and soreness of the skin around your ears or scalp is also possible.

Time Frame

• The side effects of radiation treatment for meningiomas may not develop immediately after treatment. In fact, it is possible for side effects to start up to two weeks after radiation, according to the American College of Radiology.

Risks

• In some cases, radiation treatments for meningioma cause edema or swelling of the brain that can lead to seizures. Warning signs of edema include severe headaches and intense pressure in your skull.

Solution

• A balanced diet and adequate rest help limit the side effects of radiation therapy, according to the American Cancer Society. Talk to your doctor about shampoos, creams and other skin treatments for your scalp or ears that are not likely to exacerbate the irritation caused by radiation treatment for meningioma.