Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Radiation enteropathy
Introduction
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Synonyms and Keywords: Radiation enteritis; Radiation-induced small bowel injury; Post-radiation enteritis
Overview
Overview
Radiation enteropathy or radiation enteritis is the syndrome that develops after the intestine is exposed to radiation.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Historical Perspective
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Classification
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Pathophysiology
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Causes of Radiation enteropathy
Overview
Radiation enteropathy or radiation enteritis is the syndrome that develops after the intestine is exposed to radiation.
Causes
- Radiation therapy uses high-powered x-rays, particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.
- Along with the cancer cells, radiation therapy may also damage cells that make up the lining of the intestines.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Differentiating Radiation enteropathy from other Diseases
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Epidemiology and Demographics
Overview
Radiation enteropathy or radiation enteritis is the syndrome that develops after the intestine is exposed to radiation.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Risk Factors
Overview
Radiation enteropathy or radiation enteritis is the syndrome that develops after the intestine is exposed to radiation.
Who is at highest risk?
- Anyone who receives radiation therapy to the belly or pelvic area is at risk.
- This may include people with cervical, pancreatic, prostate, uterine, or colon and rectal cancer.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Screening
Overview
Radiation enteropathy or radiation enteritis is the syndrome that develops after the intestine is exposed to radiation.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Natural history, Complications, and Prognosis
Overview
Radiation enteropathy or radiation enteritis is the syndrome that develops after the intestine is exposed to radiation.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
- When the abdomen receives radiation, there is always some nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- In most cases, the symptoms get better 2 – 3 weeks after treatment ends.
- However, when this condition develops, symptoms may last for a long period of time. Long-term (chronic) enteritis is rarely curable.
Possible complications
- Bleeding and anemia
- Dehydration
- Malabsorption
- Malnutrition
- Weight loss
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Staging | History & Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Chest X Ray | CT | MRI | Echocardiography or Ultrasound | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies |
Treatment
Treatment
Dietary Management | Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]