Osteoradionecrosis

Osteoradionecrosis

Osteoradionecrosis (pronounced: os·te·o·ra·di·o·ne·cro·sis) is a condition that occurs when bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply, often as a result of radiation therapy.

Etymology

The term "Osteoradionecrosis" is derived from three Greek words: "osteo" meaning bone, "radio" referring to radiation, and "necrosis" meaning death.

Definition

Osteoradionecrosis is a severe complication that can occur after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. It is characterized by the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply, which can lead to pain, infection, and in severe cases, the need for surgery to remove the dead bone.

Causes

Osteoradionecrosis is most commonly caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. The high-energy radiation used in this therapy can damage blood vessels, leading to a lack of blood supply and ultimately, bone death. Other factors that can increase the risk of osteoradionecrosis include poor oral hygiene, smoking, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Osteoradionecrosis can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but may include pain, swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, and in severe cases, visible bone in the mouth or an open wound that does not heal.

Treatment

Treatment for Osteoradionecrosis typically involves a combination of antibiotics to treat any infection, pain management, and in severe cases, surgery to remove the dead bone. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room, may also be used to help improve blood supply to the affected bone.

Related Terms

• Radiation therapy
• Necrosis
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Osteoradionecrosis
• Wikipedia's article - Osteoradionecrosis

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