Radiation therapy side effects of vulvar cancer

Radiation therapy for vulvar cancer can cause various side effects, depending on the dose and area treated. Common side effects include skin reactions (redness, dryness, itching, blistering, and pain), vaginal changes (narrowing, dryness, discharge, bleeding, and pain during intercourse), urinary problems (frequency, urgency, burning, and incontinence), bowel issues (diarrhea, constipation, and bleeding), and fatigue. More serious, but less common, side effects include fibrosis (scarring), lymphedema (swelling), and rectal or bladder damage. The severity and duration of side effects vary greatly among individuals.

Radiation therapy for vulvar cancer can cause a range of side effects, varying in severity depending on the dose, treatment area, and individual patient factors. These side effects can be acute (occurring during or shortly after treatment) or late (developing months or years later).
Acute Side Effects (during and shortly after treatment):

• Skin reactions: This is the most common side effect. It can range from mild redness and dryness to severe blistering, moist desquamation (skin peeling), and pain. The skin in the treated area may become very sensitive.
• Vaginal side effects: These can include vaginal dryness, burning, itching, discharge, narrowing of the vagina (vaginal stenosis), and painful intercourse (dyspareunia). These can significantly impact sexual function.
• Urinary side effects: Frequency, urgency, burning during urination (dysuria), and incontinence are possible. In more severe cases, bladder inflammation (cystitis) can occur.
• Gastrointestinal side effects: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are possible, especially if the treatment area is close to the intestines.
• Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired is common during radiation therapy.
• Pain: Pain in the treated area is possible, although this can often be managed with medication.

Late Side Effects (months or years after treatment):

• Fibrosis: Scar tissue formation in the treated area can lead to stiffness, pain, and reduced flexibility.
• Lymphedema: Swelling in the legs or groin due to damage to the lymphatic system.
• Vaginal stenosis: Severe narrowing of the vagina, making sexual intercourse difficult or impossible.
• Rectovaginal fistula: An abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina, leading to leakage of stool into the vagina.
• Bladder problems: Persistent urinary problems, such as incontinence or frequent infections.
• Secondary cancers: While rare, there's a small increased risk of developing a second cancer in the treated area years after radiation therapy.

Important Note: These are potential side effects, and not all patients experience them. The severity of side effects can also vary greatly. Your healthcare team will discuss the potential side effects with you before treatment and will provide strategies for managing them. It's crucial to report any concerning symptoms to your doctor promptly. They can often prescribe medications or other interventions to alleviate discomfort and improve your quality of life.