Effects of Radiation on Children

Radiation therapy damages healthy cells in addition to cancerous cells. Side effects vary in children, also being affected by the dose, location it was received and whether it was internal or external.

Fatigue

• Fatigue a common side effect of radiation treatment, during and after. Fatigue generally lasts four to six weeks after treatment.

Skin Damage

• The area that received radiation treatment may become red, sensitive or easily irritated for a few days to months after treatment. The skin can droop and texture can change. Skin may also be more sensitive to sun exposure.

Hair Loss

• Radiation can cause hair loss or thinning in the area that radiation was received. It does not affect other areas on the body, like from chemotherapy.

Sore Mouth

• A sore mouth or tooth decay can occur in children who have had radiation treatment to the head or neck area. These effects generally occur the second or third week after therapy begins, disappearing a month or so after therapy ends.

Gastrointestinal

• Radiation can cause gastrointestinal upsets such as appetite loss, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, especially if treatment was in the abdominal or pelvic area.

Blood

• Radiation can cause low levels of platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells, inhibiting the body's ability to fight infection.