The following are the most common side effects, both acute and chronic, resulting from radiation.  Unforeseen side effects may occur because of the unique and varied tolerance of individual persons.  Late effects of treatment may not always be predictable and may be influenced by concurrent and/or subsequent treatment for this and other diseases.  These common side effects include, but may not be limited to the following.

             The use of radiation therapy in the treatment of malignant tumors of the lung is a technique used either alone or in conjunction with surgery and/or chemotherapy.  The course of treatment may last from 3 to 7 weeks and most often is given in a single treatment each day, five days a week, although two treatments per day are sometimes employed for specific tumors.  The side effects may vary substantially depending on the size and location of the treated area and whether or not chemotherapy is also given. 

             Fatigue is a common radiotherapy side effect.  This usually begins during the second or third week of treatment and gradually increases until the treatment series has been completed.  Gradual recovery occurs over the following 4 to 6 weeks.  This is not normally debilitating and, in itself, should not affect your daily activities or ability to drive.  However, you may wish to go to bed earlier or take an afternoon nap during this period.    Fatigue and weakness are worse in patients who lose weight.  Accordingly, we strongly encourage you to supplement your diet with high calorie foods or commercially available nutritional supplements (for example Ensure Plus, Sustacal, Boost), if necessary to maintain your weight.

              Skin changes within the treated area usually include redness of the skin similar to a sunburn.  This usually starts during the second or third week of treatment and increases until the treatment series has been completed.  Recovery occurs over the following 2 to 4 weeks, although a tanned, dry skin condition may persist to a mild degree as long as 6 to 12 months after treatment.  Skin changes may be treated with a variety of measures including aloe vera gel, moisturing lotion, or cortisone cream.

             Specific effects related to radiotherapeutic effects upon organs in the chest include cough, usually mild and not productive of sputum, and difficulty swallowing with the feeling of either irritation or the presence of something stuck in the esophagus.  There is no actual mechanical impairment to swallowing.  There are several measures, including antacids, which may relieve this condition.

             Your blood counts may require monitoring periodically during treatment, especially if you also receive chemotherapy.

             Long-term effects of radiation may be serious and involve inflammation or scarring within the lung and possible damage to the spinal cord.  Fortunately, serious complications are unusual.  Lung injury occurs in 5% or less, and spinal cord injury occurs in approximately 1 in 1,000 patients.

             You may also notice permanent subtle changes in the treated area including the skin.  Inexpensive moisturizing lotion or aloe vera gel is recommended for local dryness or itchiness.  The treated skin may be more sensitive to sun exposure.  Accordingly, we advise wearing clothing or sunscreen over the treated area while spending time outdoors.  This is a lifelong recommendation.

             This statement is not a warranty, but it is simply meant to give information regarding typical radiotherapy side effects and their management.  Catastrophic or even fatal radiation complications may occur in rare cases.  Great care will be taken to minimize the side effects and reduce the risk of radiation damage to normal tissues.