The hazards of post-loading radiotherapy for cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the common malignant tumors in women. With the popularization of cancer prevention screening, birth control and health knowledge, domestic and foreign data have shown that its incidence has decreased significantly in recent years. However, the incidence in young women is on the rise. The vast majority of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, followed by adenocarcinomas.

In the early stage, the cervical mucosa has erosion or small nodules. The tumor further develops and occupies the entire cervix, and expands to the surrounding dome, and then expands from the dome to the vagina, or expands to the sides of the uterus, involving the pelvic wall to compress the ureter and cause hydronephrosis. It can also be transferred to the iliac vessels, the abdominal aorta and the left clavicle through the lymphatic system. The tumor expands forward to involve the bladder and expands backward to invade the rectum, which are all late manifestations. First, a gynecological examination is required. The doctor can perform cervical scraping, tissue bite examination, pelvic and abdominal B-ultrasound, etc. according to the situation.

The clinical symptoms of cervical cancer are contact vaginal bleeding and increased secretions in the early stage, which further develop into irregular vaginal bleeding, watery or pink discharge, and continuous. In the late stage, there are secondary infections, foul-smelling secretions, backache and lower abdominal pain, abnormal urination and defecation, and even swelling of the lower limbs.

Complications of radiation therapy for cervical cancer:

1. Vaginal fibrous adhesion can be avoided by regular follow-up after radiotherapy.

2. Vaginal stenosis, which is more common in the elderly and may lead to vaginal atresia in severe cases

3. Radiation cystitis, frequent urination, urgency, and pain during urination. Mild symptoms can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. Severe cases may occur after radiotherapy, such as hematuria, several years later. Conservative treatment is generally required to stop inflammation and hemostasis.

4. Radiation proctitis, with increased frequency of bowel movements and a sense of falling, is generally mild and can be treated symptomatically with medication. Severe cases include blood in the stool, which occurs about a year after treatment and can be treated by adjusting diet, taking oral intestinal anti-inflammatory and hemostatic drugs.