Radiation therapy is treatment with high energy rays (like x-rays) to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. The radiation may be given from outside the body (external radiation) or from radioactive materials placed directly in the tumor (internal or implant radiation). Sometimes doctors give radiation to shrink a tumor so it is easier to remove during surgery.
External radiation
This type of treatment is often given 5 days a week for about 5 weeks. It is much like getting a normal x-ray. The radiation field may include some of the pelvis in order to treat lymph nodes in the groin, because the cancer will often spread to these lymph nodes.
But there can be side effects from this treatment. These side effects vary based on the part of the body treated and the dose of radiation given. The skin of the place that is treated may look sunburned. There might also be some short-term discomfort when having bowel movements. Other possible side effects include rectal bleeding, feeling very tired (fatigue), upset stomach (nausea), or diarrhea. Radiation to the pelvis can also weaken the bones, increasing the risk of fractures of the pelvis or hip later on. It can also damage blood vessels that nourish the lining of the rectum which can lead to the lining of the rectum becoming inflamed (chronic radiation proctitis). This can cause long-term rectal bleeding and pain.
Internal radiation (brachytherapy)
This kind of radiation treatment involves minor surgery to put radioactive seeds or pellets inside the body, in or near the tumor. The radioactive pellets slowly release their dose over a period of time. Though the pellets stop being radioactive after a while, they stay in place for the rest of your life. Fewer trips to the doctor are needed with this treatment. This approach is used less often than external radiation. When it is used, it is usually given along with external radiation. The possible side effects are often like those seen with external radiation.
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