Radiation Therapy for Skin Cancer

Potential Side Effects and Patient Care During Treatment

Patient care during treatment

The side effects you might feel will depend on the part of your body being treated, the dose of radiation given and whether you also receive other treatments like chemotherapy.
Fatigue is the most common side effect, often described as an overall “blah” feeling. Feeling tired often starts in the middle of the treatment course and may last several weeks after your last radiation session.
Nearly all patients will experience redness and moistness of the skin, similar to brisk sunburn. After treatment ends, the skin will form a protective scab and new, healthy skin will develop underneath it. This healing may take several months.
You may also notice some minor skin discoloration and darkening where the radiation was aimed. This should fade over time.
If your tumor is located on your scalp, you will also likely lose your hair in the area treated. Your hair may grow back, but it might not have the same texture or thickness.
Side effects are different for everyone. Your radiation oncologist and nurse will follow you closely during treatment and ask you and your family members about any symptoms. Medications may be prescribed to make you more comfortable.
Please do not delay in talking to a radiation oncologist or oncology nurse about any side effects or concerns about treatments. They want to help you and your caregivers to be as comfortable as possible.

Patient care during treatment

In most cases, you can continue your everyday activities such as moderate exercise and work. However, it’s important to also take time to rest as coping with cancer can be exhausting.
Your treatments may be easier with good support from family, friends and neighbors. You may want to consider asking your doctor or nurse about support groups in your area that may also help.
It is important to follow the doctor’s orders and ask a lot of questions. There are no silly questions; often the treatment team has heard similar questions.
You and your family should ask the doctor if it’s safe for you to drive.
It is important to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking to make sure they are safe to use during radiation therapy. This includes any vitamins or other dietary supplements.
Try to eat a balanced diet. Your doctor, nurse or dietician can help suggest foods if you are having trouble eating or if food tastes funny.
Try to treat the area exposed to radiation with special care. This includes staying out of the sun, avoiding hot and cold packs and cleaning the area with warm water and mild soap (such as baby shampoo). Also check with your radiation oncology about any lotions and ointments before using them to make sure they are safe on skin exposed to radiation.
In the long term, it is especially important to use sun block over the area that received radiation. It is also a good practice to apply sun block any area exposed to the sun.