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Radiotherapy to the skin |
Radiotherapy is a localised treatment and side effects depend on
the area of your skin receiving the X-rays. There are two types of side effects; those
which come on during or immediately after treatment (acute
side effects) and those which can be long term (late side
effects). Your oncologists will have taken these into account when considering the
benefits of treatment and will inform you of the side effects you are likely to get.
Please discuss any concerns with your doctor, specialist nurse or radiographer at the time
of consent or at any time during radiotherapy.
This information sheet provides a brief introduction to radiotherapy and explains the common side effects you may experience. This does not mean you will definitely get them. It is also possible you may experience a side effect not mentioned here.
Your first appointment at the radiotherapy centre will in the treatment
machine or in the mould room. Report to the reception desk, show them your
card, and they will direct you to the appropriate place. The purpose of this visit is to
plan and arrange the radiotherapy so you may not have a formal consultation with the
Doctor at this stage. Of course any urgent issues will be addressed but others should be
saved for the regular consultations you will have during treatment. It is often difficult
to judge exactly how long each patient will take - unfortunately it is possible that you
may wait a long time.
The treatment machine
Although the radiographers are not in the room while you are
being treated, you are being watched at all times on a video camera. If you feel any
distress, the machine can be turned off and the radiographers will be at your side within
seconds. There is also an intercom which is left on. Treatment usually lasts only 1 to 2
minutes. While the machine is on, you usually do not have any sensation. After treatment
you will not be radioactive and you will not lose the hair on your head unless it is being
treated.
Acute
side effects
The skin may get red and itchy and possibly
a little sore. Sometimes there may be a little oozing which can be slightly blood-stained.
A scab can sometimes form.
During your treatment, you may gently wash the area with lukewarm water, using a mild soap
and dry by patting lightly with a towel. Make-up or creams other than those prescribed by
a radiotherapist should not be applied to the treated area during treatment, or until the
redness begins to settle. Do not cover the area with a plaster. It is best left open to
the air but avoid exposing the area to the sun.
If the area is very red and sore, or oozing, do not wash it. Report to your doctor and a
steroid cream may be prescribed for you. Do not use talc on such an area. Unless your
reaction is severe you may wash the treated area normally again 10 days or so after
completion of treatment.
As healing occurs the damaged skin will scale. If there is a scab present this may take
four to six weeks to come off. If you notice some pus under the scab let your doctor know
as the scab may then need to be removed earlier.
Late side effects
Additional general information can be found in the Addenbrooke's "Patient handbook" , the BACUP booklets "Understanding radiotherapy" and "Understanding cancer of the skin" . These can be obtained from the racks around the centre or clicking on the BACUP gateway site via our links page. A video called "Radiotherapy & chemotherapy" is also available from the information centre at Addenbrooke's or by e-mailing HEP on health.education@btinternet.com or visiting the HEP homepage.
Further general information Your doctors and specialist nurses are in an ideal position to give you relevant information on your disease and treatment as they know your individual circumstances. Cancerbackup has a help line (0808 800 1234) and a prize winning video available in English, Italian, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati & Hindi explaining Radiotherapy & Chemotherapy. Cancernet.co.uk has over 500 pages describing cancer, its management, practical tips and tool which patients, their carers and their doctors have found helpful during the cancer journey.