What to expect from radiotherapy for lymphoma

Before treatment, a radiation team maps the target with imaging and creates a plan that limits exposure to nearby healthy tissue. You may have a small mark or a temporary positioning aid to help you lie in the same way each time. During a visit, you lie still while the machine moves around you; treatment itself is usually brief, and the team watches and communicates with you from nearby. You do not become radioactive after external-beam radiotherapy.

The treated area guides the likely effects. Skin in the field may become warm, dry, itchy or tender. Tiredness can build during the course and may linger for a while afterwards. Treatment near the chest, abdomen, neck or head can cause additional local symptoms, so your team will explain what to watch for.

Keep every planning and treatment appointment, and tell the team about medicines, supplements, implanted devices, pregnancy or a possibility of pregnancy. Wash the area gently, pat it dry and use only products approved by the radiation team. Protect treated skin from rubbing, heat and direct sun. Eat and drink as advised; if swallowing, nausea or bowel changes develop, ask early for a dietitian or symptom treatment. Rest between activities, but gentle movement can help you maintain energy. Do not stop lymphoma medicines or start a cream without checking first.

Contact your oncology team promptly for a spreading or blistered skin reaction, worsening pain, inability to drink, repeated vomiting, new breathing difficulty, confusion, or a fever. Seek urgent medical care for severe breathing trouble, fainting, new weakness, or sudden loss of bladder or bowel control. The location treated matters, so use the emergency instructions given by your centre even if a symptom seems unrelated.

Which lymphoma area is being treated, and what is the purpose of radiotherapy? How many visits are planned? Which medicines or skin products should I avoid? Could treatment affect eating, swallowing, breathing or bowel function? Who should I call outside clinic hours?