Radiation therapy side effects

Mucositis

Inflammation and ulceration of mucous membranes

Myelosuppression

Suppression of bone marrow activity

Anemia

Reduced number of red blood cells or reduced hemoglobin

Leukopenia

Reduced number of white blood cells

Thrombocytopenia

Reduced number of platelets

Nausea

Uneasiness of the stomach

Vomiting

Forceful emptying of stomach contents

Xerostomia

Dryness of the mouth

Alopecia

Hair loss or baldness

Cystitis

Inflammation of the urinary bladder

Desquamation

Loss or shedding of skin over an irradiated area

Pneumonitis

Inflammation of the lungs

Proctitis

Inflammation of the rectum and anus

Fibrosis

Increased connective tissue or scarring

Secondary tumors

New types of tumors developing at separate sites

Infertility

Loss of reproductive function

Acute radiation side effects

Side effects occurring days to weeks after the first dose

Subacute radiation side effects

Side effects occurring several weeks or months later

Late radiation side effects

Side effects occurring months to years later