|  | Cancer | Cancer Treatments

Chemotherapy & Radiation Side Effects in Children

There are several types of cancers which affect children, including leukemia, neuroblastoma and brain cancer. Many types of childhood cancers are treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or both. Although treatment may be necessary and lifesaving, there can be side effects. Certain side effects may occur shortly after treatment and others may occur over the long-term.

  1. Considerations

    • Not all children will exhibit all side effects.The severity of effects may also vary. Different types of medications are given during chemotherapy depending on the type of cancer a child has. The type of effects often depend on the type of chemotherapy medication used. According to Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital, radiation therapy side effects also depend on what part of the body is being radiated.

    Skin Damage

    • Damage to the skin is a common side effect during radiation therapy. The area of the body targeted by the radiation can become red, sore and feel similar to a bad sunburn. The extent of the skin damage will depend partly on the number of radiation treatments given. Staying out of the sun and using mild soap may help reduce discomfort and irritation.

    Mucositis

    • Some types of chemotherapy medications can damage healthy cells in the digestive track,a condition called Mucositis. This can also develop if radiation therapy was given to the neck or head. Irritation can develop in the stomach, mouth or other area of the digestive track. This can lead to mouth sores, which are painful and can make eating difficult. Stomach pain and cramping can also develop. According to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, treatments such as a special mouth rinse, numbing medication for the mouth and drinking lots of fluid may reduce discomfort.

    Vomiting

    • Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy in children. Many different types of chemotherapy medications cause nausea. Radiation therapy may also cause vomiting depending on the area of the body targeted. According to Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital, there are medications which can be given to children before chemo is administered and also afterward. Eating small meals more frequently may help reduce nausea.

    Long-Term Side Effects

    • According to the National Cancer Institute, side effects may occur months or even years after treatment ends. Some long-term effects occur due to damage to normal cells. Delayed or long-term side effects of chemotherapy can include damage to the heart or other organs. Radiation therapy can cause long-term problems depending on what part of the body is radiated. For example, brain radiation can cause learning problems.

Cancer Treatments - Related Articles