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Which healthy tissues can develop immediate side effects from radiation therapy?
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radiation therapy
External beam radiation therapy (also known as external beam teletherapy, or long-distance therapy) being delivered using a machine known as a linear accelerator.
Radiation therapy is a targeted treatment, meaning side effects are generally localized to the tissues directly exposed to the radiation beams. Tissues containing rapidly dividing cells are particularly susceptible to immediate, or acute, damage because these cells are highly sensitive to radiation.12
Healthy tissues that may develop immediate side effects include:
- Skin: Exposure can lead to reactions such as transitory reddening (erythema), and with higher doses, potential blistering or ulceration.13
- Mucosal lining: The lining of the oral pharynx and the gastrointestinal tract can become inflamed, a condition known as mucositis.1
- Bone marrow: Radiation can cause a reduction in blood-cell counts, which may lead to symptoms such as weakness, infection, or hemorrhage.12
These acute side effects are typically temporary, resulting from the destruction of progenitor cells that are vital for maintaining tissue structure and function.12