3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
Radiation proctitis is caused by the damage inflicted on the rectal tissues during radiation therapy, which is commonly used to treat cancers in the pelvic region. Radiation induces inflammation and cellular damage in the rectal mucosa by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals. These reactive molecules cause direct DNA damage, disrupt cellular structures, and lead to cell death. The inflammation triggers a cascade of immune responses, which results in increased vascular permeability and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the rectal tissue.
Over time, chronic exposure to radiation leads to fibrosis and reduced blood flow, which further impairs tissue repair and results in the long-term symptoms observed in chronic radiation proctitis. This ongoing damage and impaired healing process result in the characteristic symptoms of pain, bleeding, and diarrhoea associated with radiation proctitis.
The symptoms of radiation proctitis can vary depending on whether it is acute or chronic.
Both types of radiation proctitis can significantly impact the quality of life and may require medical management to alleviate symptoms.
Yes, radiation proctitis can be painful. The condition involves inflammation and damage to the rectal tissue, which can cause significant discomfort and pain.
Acute radiation proctitis often presents with rectal pain as a primary symptom whereas chronic radiation proctitis can lead to persistent pain due to ongoing inflammation, ulceration, and the formation of strictures in the rectum.
This pain can be intermittent or constant and may worsen during bowel movements.
The discomfort associated with radiation proctitis can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life, which makes it essential to manage the symptoms effectively through medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments.
Radiation proctitis is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, symptom assessment, and diagnostic tests. The diagnostic process typically includes the following steps:
By combining these diagnostic methods, healthcare providers can accurately diagnose radiation proctitis and differentiate it from other conditions with similar symptoms, which helps ensure appropriate treatment and management.
The treatment options for radiation proctitis aim to alleviate symptoms, promote healing, and improve the patient’s quality of life. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and duration of symptoms. Here are the main treatment options:
By employing a combination of these treatments, healthcare providers can effectively manage radiation proctitis and improve the patient's quality of life. If you have radiation proctitis symptoms, please schedule a consultation with CRCS clinic for complete diagnosis and treatment.
While it’s not always possible to prevent radiation proctitis, strategies like using advanced radiation techniques to minimise exposure to healthy tissues and closely monitoring radiation doses can help reduce the risk.
Symptoms of acute radiation proctitis can appear during or shortly after radiation therapy, while chronic radiation proctitis symptoms may develop months to years after treatment.
Acute radiation proctitis often resolves within weeks after treatment, but chronic radiation proctitis can be a long-term condition requiring ongoing management.
Yes, dietary changes such as following a low-residue diet and avoiding irritants like spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can help manage symptoms and reduce discomfort.
Radiation proctitis specifically results from radiation therapy for cancer, while other forms of proctitis may be caused by infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or other conditions.
Yes, even after initial improvement, symptoms of radiation proctitis can recur, especially if there is ongoing damage or inflammation in the rectal tissues.