Radiation Skin & Tissue Complications
Wound Medicine

Did you know that 95% of patients who receive radiation therapy during cancer treatment will eventually experience significant skin injuries, referred to as “radiation wounds?”

While radiation therapy is not the only cancer treatment option, it is administered in 50-60% of cancer patients. It can be used to treat almost every type of cancer, including cervical, breast, lung, prostate, and more.

When these wounds develop as a side effect of radiation, you may notice that the affected area is red, itching, or sore. It can also develop into a burn or ulcer. And, because your immune system is already stressed, it can take months (or even years) for these wounds to heal. Getting proper treatment; however, can speed up the process and prevent further complications.

To learn more about how MedCentris can help, contact us to request a consultation.

Understanding Radiation Skin & Tissue Complications

Patients undergoing radiation therapy can experience skin and tissue changes which can lead to wounds. This can occur immediately or years after radiation and is caused by the high-energy radiation beams that penetrate the skin and tissue.

While the goal is to target the tumor only, even the latest medical technology advances haven’t been able to fully isolate radiation exposure to cancer cells, meaning that healthy cells are also exposed. This, in turn, can cause significant damage and impair the skin’s ability to heal normally.

You may be more likely to develop a radiation wound if any of the following apply:

• You had a higher-than-average dose of radiation
• You underwent a prolonged treatment plan
• The radiation was targeted at an area more susceptible to damage (like bony areas or skin folds)
• You have other medical conditions or are experiencing poor health in other areas

Types of Radiation Skin & Tissue Complications

Although radiation is an effective treatment modality for cancer, it can (and often does) lead to skin and tissue. There are two common types of radiation skin and tissue complications to be aware of:

1. Osteoradionecrosis (ORN): As the term “osteo” suggests, this type of wound is characterized by damage to bone tissue. It is caused by a lack of blood supply to the area, resulting in bone tissue death, aka necrosis.
2. Soft Tissue Radionecrosis (STRN): This can result in a skin wound and/or tissue necrosis of the muscle or underlying organs, as the radiation breaks down these softer tissues. It can ultimately cause changes to skin texture and the development of wounds.

Depending on the type of radiation skin and tissue complications you have, treatments could include but are not limited to antibiotics, pain management, topical treatments, and surgical interventions.

Signs of a Non-Healing Radiation Skin & Tissue Complications

The timeframe in which everyone heals can be different and is based on a variety of things. If you notice that a wound is not healing at all or getting worse, it can be a sign of some underlying cause to non-healing and you should be examined by a wound medicine professional.

If you are experiencing any of the following, please reach out to us right away:

• Persistent pain that isn’t improving over time
• A wound that is becoming larger or deeper
• Recurrent infections despite antibiotic treatment
• Drainage or foul-smelling drainage
• Development of ulcers
• Ongoing changes to skin appearance, including reddening or other discoloration
• Fever, chills, and feelings of fatigue

Tips To Accelerate Radiation Skin & Tissue Complications Healing

We recommend a holistic approach to ensuring radiation skin and tissue complications heal as quickly as possible, and this requires developing a personalized plan to best fit each patient.

There are; however, best practices that we often recommend, including:

• Keeping the skin and wound clean
• Using proper dressings and/or topical treatments
• Avoiding irritants like harsh chemicals and perfumes
• Staying hydrated
• Following a healthy, balanced nutrition plan
• Using pain relievers as prescribed
• Avoiding sun exposure
• Balancing periods of activity with rest and recovery
• Monitoring for complications

Above all, it is vital that you follow the advice of your wound medicine specialist and seek a follow-up appointment if complications arise.

Trust the MedCentris Team of Wound Medicine Specialists

You deserve the most advanced and effective wound medicine to ensure the fastest healing to eliminate or minimize complications. For help accelerating the healing of radiation skin and tissue complications, call MedCentris at (855) 432-5328 or contact us online to request a consultation.