Radiation Therapy And Its Effects on the Skin
Radiation Therapy And Its Effects on the Skin
Radiation Therapy Can Have Unwanted Effects On The Skin, But There Are Ways We Can Ease the Symptoms
Radiation therapy is used to treat many types of cancer, and it is effective in that mission. But like many other treatments, it can cause side-effects. These side-effects differ from a person to person, depending on the type of cancer, its location, the radiation therapy dose, and cancer patients general health. In addition to that, different cells and tissues in the body cope differently with radiation. The cells that are affected the most are rapidly dividing cells. These include skin cells, cells lining the mouth and gastrointestinal (GI) tract as well as blood cells in the bone marrow.
Some people who receive radiation therapy experience dryness, itching, blistering, or peeling of the skin. These problems usually go away a few weeks after treatment ends. If skin damage lingers longer than that, Dr. Shamaly Singhal, oncologist, advises patients to consult their oncologist.
How Radiation Therapy Works
Radiation therapy works by using high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells. It involves emitting one or more concentrated beams of radiation through the cancer affected region in the patient's body. The general intention is to affect the tumor, whether its to cure, to take long-term control over the disease, or, in cases where the removal of the cancer is no longer achievable, to palliatively address the symptoms.
If a tumor is too big or unapproachable to be removed with surgery, radiation therapy may be used as the main treatment. Radiation therapy can also be used for patients who, for other health reasons, can’t undergo surgery.
Combining The Radiation Therapy With Other Treatments
Radiation is also useful when combined with other treatments. For example, radiation can be used after surgery as an adjuvant treatment to treat any small areas of remaining cancer cells that may not have been visible or approachable with surgical instruments during surgery. This lowers the risk of cancer reoccuring after surgery. Radiation may also be used to help treat skin cancer that has metastasized to lymph nodes or other tissues.
Effects Of Radiotherapy On The Skin
Radiotherapy can make the skin sensitive in the treatment area. Some patients don’t experience skin problems at all while others may have heavy side - effects. This depends on the type of radiotherapy, patients skin type, and the area being treated.
A skin reaction can make the skin red or discolored. It can also be sore, look like sunburn and it might peel and blister.
Skin reactions don't occur straight away but gradually during the course of radiotherapy. The radiographer looks out for these reactions. Dr. Singhal suggests that patients inform their doctor if they feel any soreness or prolonged discomfort.
Changes To The Treatment Area Of The Skin
Side - effects of radiation are mostly limited to the tissues in the path of the treatment beams. As radiation passes through the patient in the region designated for treatment, it deposits energy capable of producing cellular change. When the cell is malignant, the intent of therapy is to create damage and kill it. But when the cell is healthy, the damage is unwanted. Also, areas that receive a high radiation dose, such as some types of head and neck cancer, can cause the skin to become sore.
As with all side effects, this varies from person to person.
Not All Patients Can Be Treated With Radiation
In time, new skin cancers can develop in areas previously treated by radiation. For this reason, the use of radiation on young patients is usually avoided. Radiation is also not recommended for people with certain inherited conditions, such as basal cell nevus syndrome or xeroderma pigmentosum. These conditions place patients at higher risk for new cancers. Also, people with connective tissue diseases, such as lupus or scleroderma, which radiation might make worse, are not treated with radiation.
Protecting The Skin
The skin in the treatment area is sensitive. Dr. Singhal advises patients to stay off the sun during the midday, and cold, as much as possible. Here are some tips for patients on how to protect their skin when it's sensitive from radiation:
Wearing a hat and long sleeved shirts will shield the skin.
Using a high factor sunscreen is recommended.
Dr. Singhal always stresses the importance of self-care in recovery from chemo and radiation therapy, which is why she selected a line of skin care products that are appropriate for patients during therapy.
