What are the complications of radiotherapy for colorectal cancer?

Radiotherapy for colorectal cancer is radiation therapy, which means using radiation to eliminate lesions. As an important means of treating malignant tumors, radiotherapy can produce good results for many cancers. However, radiotherapy can cause complications of colorectal cancer radiotherapy in patients. Let's take a look at the complications of colorectal cancer radiotherapy!

1. Radiation dermatitis: In the early stage of radiation, the skin may become red and itchy, similar to changes caused by sun exposure. In the middle stage of radiation, the skin may become pigmented, thick and rough, with coarse and dark pores. In the late stage of radiation, moist peeling may occur in the skin folds and groin area, and local skin swelling may occur. In severe cases, blisters may appear, followed by rupture, erosion, and even ulcers.
2. Radiation enteritis: In the middle and late stages of radiation, patients may feel abdominal discomfort, which worsens after eating or drinking. In severe cases, intestinal obstruction may occur. This is due to the congestion and edema of the mucosa caused by radiation damage to the intestines.
3. Soft tissue fibrosis: It occurs in the late stage of radiation, often manifested as local tissue hardening and loss of normal tissue elasticity;
4. Digestive tract reactions: Patients often experience dry mouth and dry stool in the early stages of radiotherapy; in the middle and late stages of radiotherapy, patients may experience loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting;
5. Bone marrow suppression: It often occurs in the late stage of radiotherapy, manifested as general fatigue, and hematological examination reveals a decrease in the total white blood cell (WBC) count.