What are the side effects of radiation?
Side effects, if experienced, often begin by the second or third week of treatment and may last for several weeks after the completion of treatment. The seriousness and duration of side effects depend on the individual and the type and extent of treatment. Side effects can be managed with dietary changes and/or medications. Tell your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms.
Hair loss done not usually occur. The most common side effect is loss of normal pituitary function. This may occur within a year or many years after treatment. One study reported that 50% of patients treated with conventional radiation developed deficiency of one or more pituitary hormones within 2 years of treatment. Studies of Gamma Knife focused radiation suggest that about 1/3rd of patients develop a pituitary hormone deficiency 2 to 3 years after treatment. It is expected that this percentage will increase with longer time after the treatment. Although development of a pituitary hormone deficiency is not desirable, hormone replacement therapy is available. An uncommon side effect is damage to vision. These risks must be weighed against the risk of tumor regrowth.
