Late effects of radiotherapy for colorectal cancer
In addition to inflammation and local reactions to the harmful radiation, numerous long-term complications can arise after radiotherapy for colorectal cancer. It is important to know which area of the body has been irradiated, since organs with metastases of colorectal cancer can also be irradiated in addition to the tumor in the intestine. In general, connective tissue is frequently formed in all tissues after radiation therapy.
As a result, the irradiated tissues also develop sensitivities and fragility. This can be a serious obstacle to subsequent operations, but can also cause diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, a pathological remodelling of lung tissue. In the long term, various damages to the mucous membranes, muscles and nerve tracts can cause considerable functional disorders in the intestine.
Due to the close proximity to other abdominal organs and the sexual organs, radiotherapy can cause damage to the upper abdominal organs, the bladder, the sexual organs and lead to fertility disorders. A rare complication of radiotherapy on the intestine can be a secondary tumor. Due to the structural changes in the cells during radiation therapy, another malignant cancer can develop over the years.
