Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Long term pelvic radiotherapy effects

Dannelchen
  • 1 reply
  • 41 subscribers
  • 280 views

For vulval SCC cancer I had 25 radiotherapy sessions about 5 years ago and another 25 about 18 months ago.

I felt that my urine stream was altered about 8 months ago and during a recent surgery, 3 months ago I asked my surgeon to look at it. After surgery he wrote that he could not find any problems by stretched the urethra as per my request.  A month ago I suddenly went into full retention and needed an emergency suprapubic catheter fitted at 3 in the morning. It was not a pretty sight and I literally screamed in pain for 3 hours while they were failing to find my bladder.

This is the long term effects of radiotherapy. I was told it was millimetre accurate but my urethra was not near the site of my lesion.  I am going for a flexible cysosco py (?) next week. It has been awful and painful and frightening. I am very angry about it.

Dannelchen

  • I am Sharon, one of the nurses on the Macmillan Cancer Support Line.

    Thank you for reaching out to us for support. It sounds like you have been through a very difficult time, your fear and anger are completely understandable. Please do not hesitate to call us if you think it would be useful to talk things through with someone.

    We don’t have access to NHS systems so we cannot offer information that is specific to your care or treatment, but here is some general information about having a flexible cystoscopy that may help to prepare you for your appointment. Using the scope, they will be able to see inside your urethra and bladder to identify any abnormalities. They will use a local anaesthetic jelly to avoid any discomfort. The procedure only takes about 5-10 mins, but you may need to rest for a short while before you go home.

    You mention in your post long term effects of pelvic radiotherapy. Difficulty passing urine is a known side effect of pelvic radiotherapy, either from an immediate reaction to the radiation, or later as a delayed response to treatment. This can happen with radiotherapy for vulval cancer, although it is rare.

    Our page on ‘getting help with your emotions’ may be useful for you to have a look at, and we are here for you if you need us. We have various ways of offering support for people with cancer and their loved ones. The Ask Eve charity also have their own help-line where you can talk to a specialist gynae nurse.

    Take care

    Sharon

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.  

    Ref SA/HM

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007