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Radiation enteritis - Overview

Alternative Names

Radiation enteropathy; Radiation-induced small bowel injury

Definition of Radiation enteritis:

Radiation enteritis is swelling (inflammation) of the lining of the small intestine due to radiation therapy, a type of cancer treatment.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Anyone with cancer needing radiation therapy to the belly area is at risk. This may include people with cervical, uterine, or rectal cancer.

If the damage lasts only a short time, it is called acute radiation enteritis. If damage causes lasting inflammation in the intestine, it is called chronic radiation enteritis.

Digestive system

Digestive system organs

Reviewed last on: 8/22/2008
Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Cho LC, Antoine JE. Radiation Injury to the Gastrointestinal Tract. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006: chap 38.

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