“What are the side effects of radiation for bladder cancer?”
I am a 49 year old male. I want to know what are the side effects of radiation for bladder cancer?
2 Answers
Sorry, I am a diagnostic radiologist and this question would be better answered by a radiation therapy oncologist. In general the effects of the bladder from radiation includes chronic inflammation to both the bladder and surrounding structures such as the rectum and small bowel. Chronic fibrosis and scarring can occur.
Hello. You are asking very perceptive questions. What are the side effects of radiation for bladder cancer. Radiation therapy is given for two different reasons. 1. To treat the primary tumor in the bladder, and 2. To treat adjuvantly to decrease the chances of the cancer recurring. This is usually administered following surgery. It can be given with or without chemotherapy.
The side effects depend on the radiation fields and the doses that are administered. Radiation side effect are usually related to the skin and organs within the fields of radiation.
A good article available online is published by the American Cancer Society. (Cancer.org) Search on bladder cancer. Skin rashes (much like sunburn) can occur. Pain with urination from inflammation of your bladder can occur. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood counts and fatigue are common. Blood in the urine can occur. These side effects usually go away as the radiation is given and after completion of the radiation. When these occur it is important to let the radiation oncologist know as measures can be taken to decrease these side effects.
Rarely, long term side effects can occur. Incontinence, radiation cystitis, and erection problems can occur later and be long term issues, but these are uncommon.
Good luck with your treatment.
The side effects depend on the radiation fields and the doses that are administered. Radiation side effect are usually related to the skin and organs within the fields of radiation.
A good article available online is published by the American Cancer Society. (Cancer.org) Search on bladder cancer. Skin rashes (much like sunburn) can occur. Pain with urination from inflammation of your bladder can occur. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood counts and fatigue are common. Blood in the urine can occur. These side effects usually go away as the radiation is given and after completion of the radiation. When these occur it is important to let the radiation oncologist know as measures can be taken to decrease these side effects.
Rarely, long term side effects can occur. Incontinence, radiation cystitis, and erection problems can occur later and be long term issues, but these are uncommon.
Good luck with your treatment.
