Questions with Answers!

Q: Will I have side effects outside the area being treated?
A: Generally no. Essentially all potential side effects from the therapy will be limited to the area being treated. For example, if we are treating a lung cancer, you would not lose your hair or become sick to your stomach. You may, however, develop heartburn or discomfort upon swallowing due to the radiation affecting the esophagus (the swallowing tube).

Q: Will I lose my hair?
A: Patients who have radiation treatment to the scalp will have their hair fall out after about twelve or thirteen therapy treatments. It will begin to grow back after two to three months. Patients who are treated for brain tumors will not have regrowth of hair. Those who have radiation to face or neck will have their beards stop growing if these areas are treated for five or more weeks. The beard will not regrow. Also, if the abdominal or pubic area is treated for five or six weeks, the bodily hair will fall out but will generally regrow after several months