Can Radiation Side Effects Be Reversed?
Radiation therapy is a cancer-fighting technique that uses either external or internal doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Treatment may produce either reversible or permanent side effects.
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Fatigue Effects
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Fatigue--extreme tiredness that persists despite rest--frequently occurs with radiation treatment, according to the American Cancer Society. While doctors can address underlying causes such as anemia, some degree of fatigue may continue long term or permanently.
Skin Effects
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The Nemours Foundation cites skin damage as another common radiation side effect. Many forms of damage will respond to ointments or creams within a few weeks of the end of treatment. However, some permanent changes in skin elasticity or color may occur.
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Fertility Effects
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Treatments for abdominal cancer in women or testicular cancer may result in permanent infertility.
Gastrointestinal Effects
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Radiation treatment in the abdominal area may trigger diarrhea and other gastrointestinal complications. Dietary limitations, consumption of clear liquids and smaller, more frequent meals may help combat these problems.
Brain Effects
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Radiation therapy for brain cancer can trigger irreversible large-scale cell death, or radiation necrosis, in the months or years following treatment. Some individuals eventually die from this condition.
Lung Effects
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Lung radiation can trigger shortness of breath--which may respond to steroid treatment--as well as permanent scarring of lung tissue.
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