Among Cancer Survivors As cancer survival rates climb, Highpoint Health Wound Care – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas is striving to raise awareness around the potential late effects of radiation therapy. While radiation is essential for treating some types of cancer, it can cause lingering damage to tissue and blood vessels.
With over 16.9 million cancer survivors in the US, a small but significant portion will face these radiation after-effects. Highpoint Health Wound Care encourages survivors who had radiation to be aware of symptoms related to the following conditions:
Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) impacts the head/neck/mouth when the previously irradiated jawbone cannot heal properly. Tooth extractions, implants, or injuries to already fragile bone can trigger ORN. This can progress to exposed bone, numbness, severe pain, and infection risk.
Soft Tissue Radionecrosis (STRN) is damage to skin, fat, muscle, ligaments, and deeper tissue caused by restriction of blood flow. This leaves areas vulnerable even years later. Subsequent trauma such as infections, surgery or wounds may then trigger STRN in tissues already compromised from past radiation. With the vascular supply depleted, STRN can progress to open sores, pain, swelling, blisters, and peeling skin. Radiation Cystitis is bladder inflammation from pelvic radiation and can lead to functional problems like incontinence, frequent/urgent urination, and retention issues. As the bladder walls become damaged by radiation, more severe cases can also cause blood in urine, clots, and excruciating pain. Radiation Proctitis is inflammation of the rectum that occurs as a result of acute damage sustained from pelvic radiation. Symptoms may include bleeding, incontinence, and pain.“Radiation therapy is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, but its effects can extend beyond treatment, impacting survivors’ quality of life in ways they may not expect,” said Brandon Mewbourne, MD, general surgeon. “At Highpoint Health Wound Care, we are dedicated to helping survivors address these challenges with advanced treatments designed to promote healing and improve overall well-being. By raising awareness and encouraging early intervention, we aim to empower patients to thrive long after their cancer journey.”
Highpoint Health Wound Care has dedicated experts in addressing radiation impacts through advanced treatments so the body can properly heal. Cancer survivors dealing with related wound problems should request a consultation. Early intervention is key to mitigating severity over time.
Contact Highpoint Health Wound Care by calling 615.328.3808 or visiting HighpointHealthSystem.com/Wound-Care to learn more about risks, symptoms, and advanced therapeutic options. We strive to help those on the journey beyond cancer continue to thrive. Highpoint Health Wound Care is an outpatient department of the regional healthcare system Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas.
