Explains that rapidly dividing cells are more sensitive to radiation and notes lasting salivary gland damage after oral cavity radiotherapy. It then lists acute reactions such as nausea, mucosal damage, ulceration and infertility, followed by late effects including fibrosis, lymphedema, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
Topic 21 of 50 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Nuclear Medicine (Medicine, Year 4). The free AceMed note covers it in 1 section, about 121 words (1 min of reading), with 10 flashcards.
In this note
Normal tissue and organ radiosensitivity. Early and late radiation reactions.
Normal tissue and organ radiosensitivity. Early and late radiation reactions.
Radiosensitivity
In essence, those cells that divide quickly are more susceptible to radiology. It is also worth noting that radiotherapy of the oral cavity can cause long term irreparable damage to the salivary glands and leave patients with chronic dry mouth.
Early and late radiation reactions
Acute effects
Nausea and vomiting (associated with treatment of stomach or abdomen), treat with antiemetics
Damage to epithelial surfaces (including skin, oral mucosa, pharyngeal and bowel mucosa
Mouth, throat and stomach sores and ulceration
Intestinal discomfort
Swelling
Infertility
Late side effect
Fibrosis
Epilation (hair loss)
Dryness (of salivary glands and tear ducts)
Lymphedema (localised fluid retention and tissue swelling due to lymphatic damage)
Cancer
Cardiovascular disease (due to cardiotoxicity)
Cognitive decline
Radiation enteropathy
Radiation-induced polyneuropathy
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