Late effects after irradiation

What are late effects after radiation therapy?

Almost every second person who is treated for cancer must also undergo radiation therapy. Although this does not initially cause any symptoms, it can have negative effects in the course of time, which often only become apparent as late effects. For example, there may be various secondary effects weeks, months or even years after the treatment.

Which late effects can occur depends in particular on the type of cancer or the body region that was irradiated. The skin and mucous membranes in particular are often affected, although late effects of irradiation can basically occur in any organ. Do you want to understand what happens in the human body during radiation therapy?

Typical symptoms indicating late effects after irradiation

Many patients are surprised that they initially feel only slightly affected by radiation or not at all. In many cases, the treatment only leads to undesirable side effects after some time, although the possible symptoms are not always immediately recognized as a late consequence of the radiation due to the time lag. Frequently, for example, there are changes in the skin that lies within the irradiation field.

In some cases, the skin becomes darker, in some people it tends to discolor. A possible late consequence of irradiation in the thorax area are connective tissue changes in the lungs (fibrosis). If typical findings such as increased difficulty in breathing occur, for example during exercise, a connection should be considered.

Other causes such as primary lung diseases or damage to the heart are also possible. If the abdominal or pelvic area was irradiated, adhesions can be the late consequence. Typical symptoms, which often occur only after many years, are usually cramp-like abdominal pain and problems with bowel movements.

In general, however, all possible symptoms that may indicate a late sequelae after irradiation always have a variety of other possible causes of the complaints. In case of doubt, the family doctor should therefore be consulted. Are you concerned about the late effects of radiation?