Corel Medical Series: Cancer/Corel Medical Series: Cancer.iso/mac/Program/p06.dxr/00079_Field_SRC.p06.A.17.txt

Text File | 1997-02-04 | 2KB | 17 lines

• 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" ).