Radiation proctitis

Radiation proctitis is a medical condition that involves inflammation and damage to the lower parts of the colon after exposure to x-rays or other ionizing forms of radiation as part of radiotherapy.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Radiation proctitis is primarily caused by the radiation therapy used to treat certain cancers, such as cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. The radiation used in these treatments can damage the colon and rectum, leading to inflammation and other symptoms.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of radiation proctitis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of radiation proctitis is typically made based on the patient's medical history and a physical examination. Additional tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. These tests may include:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment for radiation proctitis depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may be managed with medications and dietary changes, while severe cases may require more invasive treatments. These may include:

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for radiation proctitis varies depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health. With appropriate treatment, most people with radiation proctitis are able to manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.

See also[edit | edit source]

Radiation proctitis Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.