What are the side effects of stereotactic radiation?
Risks
- Fatigue. Tiredness and fatigue may occur for the first few weeks after stereotactic radiosurgery.
- Swelling. Swelling in the brain at or near the treatment site can cause signs and symptoms such as headache, nausea and vomiting.
- Scalp and hair problems.
How does radiation affect a cat?
The hair can grow back in a different color or texture. In some patients, the hair loss in the radiation field is permanent. Cats are generally more resistant to radiation effects of the skin. Most cats will have hair loss and dry flaking of the skin which may itch.
Should I put my cat through radiation?
At its best, radiation can kill off cancer cells while causing very little damage to surrounding tissues. Although radiation therapy is used to kill cancer cells, this does not mean that the treated cat becomes ‘radioactive’ and there is no risk whatsoever to people in contact with the cat.
What is the most common side effect from radiation in pets?
The most common side effects of radiation therapy in dogs are similar to those in people. The patients may experience skin redness or moisture for a short period of time. In cats the side effects are milder and may just be limited to short-term dry, flaky skin.
How long does it take for stereotactic radiation to work?
Although the effects of SRS on tumor tissue can be seen a few weeks after the procedure, it may take up to two years to see the effects of SRS on an AVM. When SRS is used to treat an AVM, an angiogram is obtained to improve the accuracy targeting the critical portions of the lesion.
How long does it take to recover from radiation fatigue?
Radiation can give you fatigue that gets worse over time (called cumulative fatigue). It usually lasts 3 to 4 weeks after your treatment stops, but it can continue for up to 3 months.
How can you tell if you have radiation poisoning?
Symptoms of radiation sickness may include: Weakness, fatigue, fainting, confusion. Bleeding from the nose, mouth, gums, and rectum. Bruising, skin burns, open sores on the skin, sloughing of skin.
Can you be around pets during radiation?
As long as you talk to your healthcare team and take the appropriate measures to reduce your risk of infection, your furry friends can stay by your side during cancer treatment!
What is the difference between CyberKnife and stereotactic radiation?
CyberKnife is used in a type of radiation therapy called stereotactic radiosurgery (also known as stereotactic radiotherapy). This treatment destroys tumors with extremely precise, very intense doses of radiation while minimizing damage to healthy tissue, offering accuracy akin to the sharpness of a surgeon’s scalpel.
What is the success rate of stereotactic radiosurgery?
SBRT has shown dramatically better outcomes than conventional radiation therapy. Whereas two-year success rates for conventional treatment range from 30 to 40 percent, the success rates for SBRT range from 80 to 90 percent — comparable to those of resection surgery but with far fewer risks.
How long does radiation stay in your system?
Lower doses are delivered with implants that remain in the body longer, often a few days. In a treatment known as brachytherapy, doctors implant small radioactive pellets, or “seeds,” that emit radiation for a few weeks or months but remain in the body permanently.
