Radiation Therapy

Does Radiation Therapy Have Side Effects?

Patients treated with curative intent radiation therapy may develop side effects, called acute effects, during or shortly after treatment. New radiation technological advances, such as the Varian Trilogy linear accelerator at CSU, are able to decrease the severity, or even eliminate acute effects in some parts of the body. Nasal tumors, bladder and prostate cancers, oral tumors, and brain tumors now have minimal acute effects.

Unfortunately, when tumors are located close to the skin surface, the skin receives radiation doses that may cause discomfort. Your veterinarian will discuss potential side effects with you prior to treatment.