Radiation Therapy: What to Expect
Cranial (Brain) Radiation
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed by Cancer Center Staff
Creation Date: October 2002
Last Review Date: November 2006
Brain swelling is a common side effect that will go away. This swelling may cause an increase in your brain tumor symptoms. Medications called steroids are often used to reduce brain swelling.
Hair loss— hair loss will begin after about two weeks of treatment. Hair regrowth will begin 2-3 months after treatments have ended. A change in color and/or texture may occur. Soft scarves or hats are attractive and comfortable as a cover for the head until hair re-grows. With higher doses of radiation to the brain, hair loss can be permanent.
To learn more about radiation therapy, contact the Cancer Information Service at: cancer-information@uiowa.edu or 1-800-237-1225.
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