Long term side effects: May develop months to years after radiation therapy has finished and may be permanent
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Skin changes
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- In the area of treatment you may notice your skin become thinner or have small red marks under the skin caused by broken blood vessels.
- Your skin may also become darker. This will usually fade back to your normal skin colour, however, may remain as a faint, permanent mark.
- Your skin may also feel tighter, have a different texture or be more sensitive to the sun.
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Dry throat and mouth (salivary gland dysfunction - xerostomia and/or hyposalivation)
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- Your dry mouth and throat may continue for some time after treatment has finished.
- This is often temporary but may be permanent.
- Do your mouth care regularly to help prevent dental problems.
- Ask your doctor or nurse for the eviQ information - Mouth problems during cancer treatment.
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Tiredness and lack of energy (fatigue)
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- Feeling tired or fatigue may continue for some time after the radiation therapy has finished.
- Tell your doctor if you have ongoing tiredness and lack of energy.
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Dental problems
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- A dry mouth can cause dental problems after treatment.
- It is important to visit your dentist regularly.
- Always tell your dentist you have had radiation therapy to the head and neck.
- Before you have any teeth removed, ask your dentist to contact your doctor for advice.
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Voice changes
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- Your voice may become more raspy, strained or sound different.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you have this side effect and you may be referred to a speech pathologist.
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Difficulty swallowing
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- You may have swallowing difficulties after radiation therapy has finished.
- Tell your doctor if you have this and you may be referred to a speech pathologist and/or gastroenterologist.
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Taste and smell changes
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- You may find that food loses its taste or tastes different during treatment.
- These changes are likely to go away with time, but for some people it may be ongoing.
- Do your mouth care regularly.
- Chew on sugar-free gum or eat sugar-free mints.
- Add flavour to your food with sauces and herbs.
- Ask your doctor or nurse for eviQ patient information - Changes to taste or smell during cancer treatment.
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Swelling (lymphoedema)
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- You may get swelling in your head and neck area.
- This can make your skin feel tight or you may have aches and pains.
- This is caused by a build up of fluid in body tissues.
- This can start months to years following cancer treatment.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any swelling, they can help you to manage it.
- Early treatment can reduce the risk and severity of swelling.
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Hair loss
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- In the area of treatment your hair may fall out.
- This is usually temporary, but for some people it can be permanent.
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Risk of a stroke
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- You may be at increased risk of having a stroke.
- This may be caused by damage to the blood vessels in the neck from the treatment.
- Contact your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of the following symptoms:
- dizziness or headaches
- trouble with your speech or vision
- confusion
- fits (seizures)
- poor balance and coordination
- nausea and vomiting
- paralysis on one side of your face.
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Thyroid problems (hypothyroidism)
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- In the long term, your thyroid may produce less hormones.
- You can feel extremely tired and lethargic.
- You may need to take some medication to correct any imbalance.
- Your doctor will explain this to you and the best ways of management.
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Neck stiffness
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- Your neck may feel stiff and tight, which may limit movement.
- You may get pain in your neck.
- This may be caused by damage to the neck muscles from treatment.
- Exercise and physiotherapy may be helpful.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of these symptoms, they can help you to manage them.
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Nerve changes
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- You may get weakness, numbness, tingling, pain or abnormal sensations in your arms, wrists, hands or fingers.
- These symptoms are caused by damage to the nerves that run to your arms.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of these symptoms, they can help you to manage them.
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Spinal cord damage from radiotherapy
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- This treatment may cause damage to the spinal cord. This is rare.
- Contact your treatment team immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of the following symptoms:
- numbness or weakness in your hands, arms or legs
- unsteadiness on your feet
- you lose the ability to walk.
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Bone changes in the jaw (osteoradionecrosis of the jaw)
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- You may get:
- a painful mouth or jaw
- an infection in your gums
- swelling of your face
- difficulty opening your mouth
- difficulty chewing or swallowing food
- ongoing bad breath
- an ulcer along the jawline that does not heal.
- These symptoms can occur because of changes or thinning of the bone in the area treated with radiation therapy.
- Always tell your dentist if you have had radiation therapy treatment to the head and neck region.
- Having teeth removed can lead to bone changes (osteoradionecrosis) of the jaw.
- Tell your doctor or dentist if you get any of these symptoms.
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Developing a second cancer
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- There is a very small risk that you may develop a second cancer as a result of having radiation therapy.
- This is uncommon and may not happen until at least 10 years after treatment.
- Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about the benefits and risks of radiation therapy.
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