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- • Skin All radiation has to pass through the skin, but with today's high energy machines and daily treatment
- techniques using multiple ports, the side effects on the skin are seldom a problem unless the treated area actually
- involves the skin.
- Most skin reactions appear as a redness called erythema. This is similar to sunburn and goes through the same
- stages—redness, gradual tanning, then peeling. Once the condition is treated, the reaction will usually go away
- within a week or 10 days. If the dose has been high, late skin changes may appear in the form of increased
- pigmentation, which may be more noticeable in people of dark complexion.
- If you develop any of these symptoms, it is important not to put any creams or lotions on your skin without
- your radiation oncologist's approval.
- • Head and neck One of the most significant side effects is irritation of the membranes lining the body cavities,
- such as the lining—or mucosa—of the mouth. If you are being treated for a cancer of the head and neck, the
- mucosa surrounding the tumor may become red. And as treatment progresses, quite a few small superficial ulcers
- may develop. This can cause a lot of discomfort and will probably interfere with swallowing and nutrition.
- Fortunately, the effect is temporary and will disappear as soon as the treatment is finished.
- Radiation to the head and neck may also interfere with taste if your tongue is in the primary radiation beam.
- And the amount of saliva produced can be significantly reduced if the salivary glands happen to be in the
- treatment beam ( see "Special Problems of Radiation Patients" ).
