The side effects of IG-SRT are generally localized to the skin in the treatment area and tend to be mild to moderate in intensity. Common side effects include: skin redness and irritation, similar to a sunburn, which usually develops gradually over the course of treatment. The area might become dry, itchy, or scaly. Some patients experience peeling or flaking of the skin in the treatment field, and occasionally the skin can crack or have a moist peel (like a superficial sore) especially toward the end of the treatment course. Changes in skin color can also occur – the treated skin might become slightly darker (hyperpigmented) or lighter (hypopigmented) than the surrounding skin as it heals. Hair loss will happen on the treated area if hair is present there (for example, facial hair or scalp hair in the field). Typically this hair loss is permanent or long-lasting on that spot. During treatment, if the area is on the nose, sometimes patients get dryness in the nasal passages leading to minor nosebleeds (as discussed earlier). The good news is that most of these side effects are temporary – the redness, irritation, and peeling usually begin to heal within a few weeks after finishing treatment. The skin color changes may slowly improve over several months. Rare side effects include a skin ulcer (an area that becomes an open sore and takes a longer time to heal) – this is uncommon and usually only happens if the skin had a very strong reaction. Also extremely rare is the potential for a secondary skin cancer decades later at the treated site (more on that below, but it’s a very low probability). Importantly, you will not experience systemic side effects – no nausea, no fatigue, etc., as the radiation is not affecting your whole body. Overall, patients find the side effects very manageable, and the medical team will guide you in caring for your skin through any irritation that does occur.
Category:
IG-SRT
