Radiation colitis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Radiation colitis | |||
| synonyms = Radiation enteritis | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Diarrhea]], [[abdominal pain]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[rectal bleeding]] | |||
| complications = [[Bowel obstruction]], [[fistula (medicine)|fistula formation]], [[intestinal perforation]] | |||
| onset = Weeks to months after [[radiation therapy]] | |||
| duration = Can be [[chronic (medicine)|chronic]] | |||
| causes = [[Radiation therapy]] to the [[abdomen]] or [[pelvis]] | |||
| risks = High-dose radiation, concurrent [[chemotherapy]], previous [[abdominal surgery]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Colonoscopy]], [[CT scan]], [[MRI]] | |||
| differential = [[Inflammatory bowel disease]], [[infectious colitis]], [[ischemic colitis]] | |||
| treatment = [[Dietary modification]], [[medications]], [[surgery]] | |||
| medication = [[Antidiarrheal]], [[anti-inflammatory drugs]], [[antibiotics]] | |||
| frequency = Varies, depending on radiation exposure | |||
}} | |||
'''Radiation colitis''' is a [[disease]] that affects the [[large intestine]] or colon. It is a complication that arises from [[radiation therapy]], a common treatment for [[cancer]]. The condition is characterized by inflammation and damage to the colon's lining, which can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications. | '''Radiation colitis''' is a [[disease]] that affects the [[large intestine]] or colon. It is a complication that arises from [[radiation therapy]], a common treatment for [[cancer]]. The condition is characterized by inflammation and damage to the colon's lining, which can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Radiation colitis is caused by exposure to radiation, typically as part of a treatment plan for cancer. The radiation can damage the cells in the colon, leading to inflammation and other problems. The risk of developing radiation colitis increases with the dose of radiation received, the duration of treatment, and the specific area of the body that is treated. | Radiation colitis is caused by exposure to radiation, typically as part of a treatment plan for cancer. The radiation can damage the cells in the colon, leading to inflammation and other problems. The risk of developing radiation colitis increases with the dose of radiation received, the duration of treatment, and the specific area of the body that is treated. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of radiation colitis can vary widely, depending on the severity of the condition. They may include: | The symptoms of radiation colitis can vary widely, depending on the severity of the condition. They may include: | ||
* [[Abdominal pain]] | * [[Abdominal pain]] | ||
* [[Diarrhea]] | * [[Diarrhea]] | ||
| Line 12: | Line 26: | ||
* [[Rectal bleeding]] | * [[Rectal bleeding]] | ||
* [[Weight loss]] | * [[Weight loss]] | ||
In severe cases, radiation colitis can lead to more serious complications, such as [[intestinal obstruction]], [[fistula]] formation, and [[perforation of the colon]]. | In severe cases, radiation colitis can lead to more serious complications, such as [[intestinal obstruction]], [[fistula]] formation, and [[perforation of the colon]]. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Radiation colitis is typically diagnosed based on a patient's symptoms and medical history, particularly a history of radiation therapy. [[Medical imaging]] tests, such as a [[CT scan]] or [[MRI]], may be used to visualize the colon and assess the extent of the damage. A [[colonoscopy]] may also be performed, which allows the doctor to directly examine the inside of the colon and take [[biopsy|biopsies]] if necessary. | Radiation colitis is typically diagnosed based on a patient's symptoms and medical history, particularly a history of radiation therapy. [[Medical imaging]] tests, such as a [[CT scan]] or [[MRI]], may be used to visualize the colon and assess the extent of the damage. A [[colonoscopy]] may also be performed, which allows the doctor to directly examine the inside of the colon and take [[biopsy|biopsies]] if necessary. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for radiation colitis typically involves managing the symptoms and trying to heal the damaged colon. This may include: | Treatment for radiation colitis typically involves managing the symptoms and trying to heal the damaged colon. This may include: | ||
* [[Dietary changes]], such as eating a low-fiber diet | * [[Dietary changes]], such as eating a low-fiber diet | ||
* [[Medication]], such as anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics | * [[Medication]], such as anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics | ||
* [[Surgery]], in severe cases | * [[Surgery]], in severe cases | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Radiation proctitis]] | * [[Radiation proctitis]] | ||
* [[Radiation enteritis]] | * [[Radiation enteritis]] | ||
* [[Radiation therapy]] | * [[Radiation therapy]] | ||
[[Category:Diseases]] | [[Category:Diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Radiation health effects]] | [[Category:Radiation health effects]] | ||
[[Category:Gastrointestinal disorders]] | [[Category:Gastrointestinal disorders]] | ||
{{Medicine-stub}} | {{Medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 04:36, 4 April 2025
| Radiation colitis | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Radiation enteritis |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, rectal bleeding |
| Complications | Bowel obstruction, fistula formation, intestinal perforation |
| Onset | Weeks to months after radiation therapy |
| Duration | Can be chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis |
| Risks | High-dose radiation, concurrent chemotherapy, previous abdominal surgery |
| Diagnosis | Colonoscopy, CT scan, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | Inflammatory bowel disease, infectious colitis, ischemic colitis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Dietary modification, medications, surgery |
| Medication | Antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Varies, depending on radiation exposure |
| Deaths | N/A |
Radiation colitis is a disease that affects the large intestine or colon. It is a complication that arises from radiation therapy, a common treatment for cancer. The condition is characterized by inflammation and damage to the colon's lining, which can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications.
Causes[edit]
Radiation colitis is caused by exposure to radiation, typically as part of a treatment plan for cancer. The radiation can damage the cells in the colon, leading to inflammation and other problems. The risk of developing radiation colitis increases with the dose of radiation received, the duration of treatment, and the specific area of the body that is treated.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of radiation colitis can vary widely, depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:
In severe cases, radiation colitis can lead to more serious complications, such as intestinal obstruction, fistula formation, and perforation of the colon.
Diagnosis[edit]
Radiation colitis is typically diagnosed based on a patient's symptoms and medical history, particularly a history of radiation therapy. Medical imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, may be used to visualize the colon and assess the extent of the damage. A colonoscopy may also be performed, which allows the doctor to directly examine the inside of the colon and take biopsies if necessary.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for radiation colitis typically involves managing the symptoms and trying to heal the damaged colon. This may include:
- Dietary changes, such as eating a low-fiber diet
- Medication, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics
- Surgery, in severe cases
See also[edit]
