Side Effect of Radiotherapy for Brain Cancer

Radiotherapy is a common method for treating brain cancer. With radiotherapy, beams of radiation are directed at the head in the hopes of shrinking the tumor. The radiation beams are able to damage the rapidly dividing DNA of cells. Because most brain cells do not divide, they are relatively protected from the radiation. On the other hand, radiotherapy can have many side effects, though they can be minimized by only irradiating the affected parts of the head.

Fatigue

• One side effect from receiving radiotherapy for brain cancer is fatigue. This side effect will progress as the treatment goes on, and, by the end of a course of radiotherapy treatment (i.e. several weeks), the fatigue will be quite noticeable. It is recommended a patient get as much rest as possible, but to also exercise to keep the body healthy and in shape.

Hair Loss

• Hair loss is another side effect of receiving radiotherapy for brain cancer. If the radiotherapy is only being given to one part of your head, hair will only be lost in that section. Otherwise, hair loss should be expected over all of the head. Once the radiotherapy has stopped, the hair will grow back, though the longer the patient has received radiotherapy, the longer it will take to grow back.

Nausea

• Nausea is a common side effect from receiving radiotherapy for brain cancer. Occasionally, the nausea will strike immediately after receiving the treatment, but usually it will progress in the weeks after treatment. For some patients, the nausea is severe enough to cause vomiting.

Worsening Symptoms

• Radiotherapy for brain cancer can also cause a short-term worsening of the symptoms that lead to the brain cancer diagnosis. This is because the radiotherapy causes the area around the tumor to swell, which will usually exacerbate the symptoms. While worrisome, this side effect will go away after a few weeks and can be controlled with oral corticosteroids, such as cortisone. Most oncologists can also provide advice and tips for dealing with radiotherapy side effects.

Dealing With Side Effects

• The side effects of radiotherapy can cause significant discomfort. There are usually ways to reduce the side effects or the discomfort they cause--getting more rest, wearing a wig or hats, eating a careful diet or taking anti-nausea medication, and taking corticosteroids--but they can be bothersome nonetheless. Many patients find that going to support groups for people with cancer can help them as they work through the treatment and deal with the side effects.