Lung Cancer Radiation Side Effects

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the second-most prevalent type of cancer in men and women, but it kills far more people each year than any other kind of cancer. Radiation, which destroys cancerous cells as well as healthy cells in the vicinity, is usually done in a few minutes every day over a period of several weeks. There are many possible side effects of this treatment.

Fatigue

• A person undergoing radiation therapy may have very little energy. Fatigue, which sets in after three or four weeks of therapy, climaxes at the end of the series and gradually levels off. It may take a month before energy levels are back to normal. Fatigue is an annoying side effect of radiation, and in extreme cases it can be debilitating. Someone undergoing treatment may need to pace his activities and take afternoon naps.

Skin Discoloration

• Shortly after starting radiation therapy, a patient may notice that the treated skin is red. The redness intensifies until the treatment series is completed, and over the next few weeks the red hue becomes tan and the skin turns dry. The patient should use mild soap and warm water to wash the affected skin. Moisturizers with aloe vera and cortisone cream are recommended for dry skin and itching, respectively.

Cough and Difficulty Swallowing

• Because the lungs are close to the esophagus, a patient undergoing radiation therapy may have an occasional dry cough or difficulty swallowing. He may constantly feel as if something is stuck in his throat, so eating becomes uncomfortable. He may eat less and less, and before long he starts to lose weight. Nutritional supplements (Boost or Ensure) may be necessary to ensure adequate caloric intake.

Low Blood Counts

• Blood counts drop during radiation therapy, but the decline is much more drastic when treatment is in conjunction with chemotherapy. Low blood counts mean that the numbers of white blood cells (fight infection), red blood cells (carry oxygen to tissues) and platelets (assist with clotting) are less than ideal. Therefore, the person undergoing radiation therapy may be prone to colds and other infections. He may also feel tired and bruise easily, even in the absence of blunt trauma.

Radiation Pneumonitis

• Radiation therapy destroys healthy lung cells in the process of eliminating malignant tumor cells. Two weeks to nine months after treatment, radiation pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs) may set in. A person may have shortness of breath, cough and fever. He may also be unable to take deep breaths. Radiation pneumonitis is usually resolved with steroids. If the condition is left untreated, it could lead to fibrosis (scarring) of the lungs, which results in permanent damage.