It is easy to understand the Side effects of radiation therapy once you are aware of the region that the radiation is targeted at. For example, if skin cancer is being treated, the side effects are confined to that portion of the skin and a few millimeters deep to it. This should not affect any underlying organs. On the other hand, if a man is being treated for prostate cancer, the side effects of radiation therapy in this situation will involve the urinary bladder, the rectum and the urethra. Radiation therapy to the prostate should NOT cause one to develop nausea and vomiting!
It is the expertise of the radiation doctor who designs a treatment plan, using appropriate techniques and equipment combined with experienced staff who deliver the plan who will help mitigate the side effects of radiation therapy and result in good outcomes in terms of cancer control.
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Dr. Kumar
