Radiation Related Conditions
After surviving cancer, many patients who received radiation therapy have underlying complications that may not cause symptoms for up to 20 years after their treatment. Radiation kills cancer cells but can also damage surrounding tissues, causing conditions that reduce blood flow and result in tissue damage that progressively worsens for months or even years after treatment ends.
Radiation conditions may occur spontaneously or in response to a traumatic condition or infection. A wound may or may not be present, but the pain associated with these condition is often why a patient seeks treatment.
Common Types of Radiation Conditions
Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) Of The Jaw Bone Or Mandible
- Osteoradionecrosis often arises after tooth extraction in patients with prior radiation therapy. Patients with ORN can experience pain, difficulty opening the mouth, exposed and or damaged bone, drainage and swelling.
Soft Tissue Radionecrosis (STRN)
- Soft tissue conditions are also common in the area covering bony prominences, surgical areas and those on the face. Moist skin folds such as those under the breast, the armpit and around the anus and genitals are also vulnerable.
Radiation-Induced Cystitis
- Radiation treatment in the abdomen or groin region can damage the bladder. Common symptoms include urinary urgency, pain and incontinence.
There is hope for healing radiation conditions. Wound Care Centers® can help heal the pain and discomfort with advanced wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy or HBO. Depending on the type of condition, a patient may receive HBO as their primary treatment alone or as part of a comprehensive wound care plan.
HBO speeds healing to wounds and radiation conditions by increasing the amount of oxygen carried in the blood. While receiving HBO treatments, patients lay down in a large, clear surrounded by 100 percent oxygen at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure.
Get on the path to healing.
If you or someone you care for has a wound that is not healing, find a Center near you today.
