Risks

Stereotactic radiosurgery doesn't involve surgical incisions, so it's generally less risky than traditional surgery. In traditional surgery, you may have risks of complications with anesthesia, bleeding and infection.

Early complications or side effects are usually temporary. They may include:

• Fatigue. Tiredness and fatigue may occur for the first few days after SBRT.
• Swelling. Swelling at or near the treatment site can cause signs and symptoms such as a temporary increase in pain. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications (corticosteroid medications) to prevent such problems or to treat symptoms if they appear.
• Nausea or vomiting. Some patients may experience temporary nausea or vomiting if the radiated tumor is near the bowel or liver.

Rarely, people may experience late side effects, months after treatment, although this varies for each body site. Your physician will discuss potential risks more thoroughly with you. These may include:

• Weakened bones that may break
• Changes affecting the bowel
• Changes in the lungs
• Changes in the spinal cord
• Developing a new cancer (secondary cancer)
• Swollen arms and legs (lymphedema)