What are some common side effects of radiation therapy?

Skin irritation, fatigue, and localized pain are well-documented side effects of radiation therapy and relate closely to the nature of the treatment. Radiation therapy targets cancer cells, but it can also affect nearby healthy tissues. Skin irritation occurs at the site of treatment, presenting as redness, dryness, or sensitivity. Fatigue is a common systemic response to radiation therapy, often resulting from the body's efforts to repair tissue damage and cope with the treatment's physical demands. Localized pain may arise due to the inflammation and irritation of tissues in the treatment area.

The other options involve side effects that are less typical for radiation therapy. Nausea and hair loss can be associated with certain types of chemotherapy or with radiation treatment to the head or neck, but they are not as universally applicable across all radiation therapy contexts. Weight gain and increased appetite are more often linked with hormonal therapies or steroids rather than radiation. Lastly, vision changes, hearing loss, and muscle weakness are not direct and frequent results of radiation therapy, although specific cases might present them depending on the areas treated. The focus on common side effects of radiation emphasizes the importance of patient education and management of treatment-related symptoms.