Late effects after irradiation of the pelvis
Irradiation in the pelvis can cause various late complications, since many different organs and sometimes very fine and sensitive pathways run in a confined space. In the intestine, adhesions or constrictions can occur as a late consequence. Irradiation can thus be responsible for complaints such as intestinal cramps and difficulties with bowel movements even after a long time.
If the nerves that control the bladder are damaged, late effects can also occur here. Some people suffer from uncontrolled urination while others have problems passing water. In men, the late effects of pelvic irradiation can also lead to a disturbance in potency, so that erection and ejaculation are no longer normal or may not even be possible.
In case of corresponding complaints, a urologist should be consulted. If the pelvis is irradiated in younger people, there is also a risk that the ability to conceive will be impaired. Especially in young women, irradiation should only be carried out if it is unavoidable, as otherwise in the worst case infertility can develop as a late consequence. As with all forms of radiation, a second tumor can also develop after radiation of the pelvis as a late consequence.
Late effects after irradiation of the head
Irradiation of the head is usually necessary in the case of cancerous tumors in the brain or on the skull itself and can lead to various late effects. The hair loss of scalp hair, eyelashes and eyebrows that typically occurs immediately after irradiation is fortunately not permanent in most cases. In some people, however, the hair growth is clearly thinned out as a late consequence and the hair is visibly thinner.A wig can help here, although the costs are usually covered by health insurance, at least for women.
Are you interested in alternative medical approaches to the treatment of hair loss? Further late effects after radiation on the head can be seen on the teeth. Especially in the case of pre-existing gum problems, these can be worsened by radiation, so that the late consequence may be the premature loss of teeth.
Other organs on the head that can suffer from irradiation are the salivary glands. The function of these glands can be noticeably reduced as a late consequence, so that those affected suffer from dry mouth, bad breath and an increased risk of infection in the oral cavity. Contrary to the fears of many people, late effects rarely occur in the most important organ in the head.
The brain is comparatively less susceptible to the damaging effects of radiation. This can be explained by the fact that radiation particularly damages tissue consisting of frequently dividing cells. In adults, the nerve cells show little activity in this respect. In children, however, brain development can be damaged. Nevertheless, this is often necessary in the presence of a brain tumor and the possible late consequences must be accepted after consideration.
