MSK nurse practitioner Carol Ann Milazzo describes side effects commonly associated with radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis.
Radiation can make you feel temporarily fatigued. Because radiation travels through your skin, it can make the treated area look and feel sunburned. This condition is called radiation dermatitis. Other common side effects may include nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, and a sensation of burning hemorrhoids.
You may want to ask your doctors about how to manage these potential side effects during and right after radiation.
Side Effects of Palliative Radiation Therapy to the Abdomen or Pelvis
Radiation treatment can cause you to feel fatigue, regardless of the site of your treatment.
Cancer-related fatigue is very common, though we don't know the exact mechanism for it. It is temporary, and you will regain some of your energy within a few weeks after you finish your treatment.
Radiation must travel through your skin before it reaches its target. In this process, it may irritate your skin, causing it to look and feel sunburned. This is also called radiation dermatitis. It happens when the radiation beams both enter or leave through your skin.
If you are having radiation to a part of your abdomen or pelvis, you might experience nausea, heartburn, loose bowel movements or diarrhea, frequency or burning when you urinate, or a sensation of burning hemorrhoids.
All of these things can be treated with temporary medications and changes to your diet while you are on treatment.
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