Radiotherapy Side Effects

Mucositis

Inflammation and ulceration of mucous membranes (mouth, pharynx, vagina, bladder, large or small intestine)

Myelosuppression

Bone marrow depression (anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia)

Nausea and vomiting

Uneasiness of the stomach and emptying of its contents – more common with irradiation of the brain and gastrointestinal tract

Xerostomia

Dryness of the mouth – with salivary gland irradiation

Alopecia

Baldness (permanent or temporary)

Cystitis

Inflammation of the urinary bladder

Pneumonitis

Inflammation of the lungs

Proctitis

Inflammation of the rectum and anus

Fibrosis

Increase of connective tissue (scarring of skin, lungs, kidneys)

Secondary tumors

New types of tumors in separate sites (leukemias and solid tumors such as carcinomas and sarcomas)

Infertility

Loss of reproductive function