Radiation Necrosis

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Radiation necrosis

The use of ionizing radiation in the treatment of tumors, diseases of the blood, skeleton and various organs and systems is associated with the risk of complications. Often, people whose profession is associated with radiation devices become victims of the negative effects of high-voltage radiation. The timing of the development of necrotic foci in the tissues after irradiation depends on the dose, the volume of the irradiated area, etc.

Penetrating radiation can cause severe types of tissue death. The mechanism and nature of pathological changes from radiation has not yet been fully understood. It is known that the causes of radiation necrosis are vascular, morphological and degenerative disorders. The immunosuppressive effect of ionizing radiation on tissues is also possible.

Irradiation of the body helps to suppress the enzyme systems containing iron and tissues participating in the respiratory process in the aerobic phase. This entails the formation of under-oxidized metabolic products in the tissues. Radiation therapy can damage the nervous system and generate free radicals. Histological examination, as a rule, reveals demineralization of nerve fibers, thickening of the tissue of small arteries and necrosis of the brain tissue.

The nerves of the brachial and lumbosacral plexus are susceptible to the development of radiation necrosis simultaneously with radiation necrosis of the central nervous system. Radiation sickness is a consequence of the action on the whole organism as a whole of X-rays gamma rays, neutron fluxes. As a rule, the course of the disease is accompanied by necrosis. Regeneration is suppressed in the irradiated tissues, the mucous membrane of the mouth and lips swells, and pinpoint bleeding may occur.

In the midst of the disease, the general condition worsens, the trophism of the oral mucosa changes, there is a burning sensation, anemia, and dryness. Radiation stomatitis occurs. The phenomena of hemorrhagic syndrome, the presence of infection (putrefactive) provoke the formation of ulcers and necrosis. Necrosis develops in the oral cavity, it is always most pronounced in the area of contact with the mucous membrane of metal prostheses and fillings, in such places more bacteria are usually present. There are signs of damage to the edges of the gums and tonsils, followed by damage to the lateral surfaces of the tongue and palate, severe swelling of the membrane of the mouth, lips and face.

After the edge of the gums is necrotic, they become loose and bleeding. The softening of the bone tissue of the alveolar process causes loosening and loss of teeth. The methods of therapeutic measures depend on the state of various organs and systems. Without treatment, radiation necrosis has bulky foci, but under the influence of glucocorticoids, the degree of active development decreases.

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The best treatment for progressive radiation necrosis is surgery. Before any radiation exposure, it is necessary to take drugs that slow down radiochemical reactions. The risk of negative consequences from radiation therapy is reduced when using hormonal, antihistamines, antibacterial agents.

To restore the functioning of the circulatory system and prevent hemorrhagic diathesis causing the development of necrosis, rutin, vicasol, calcium gluconate and a multivitamin complex are prescribed. If we consider the irradiation of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, then after this process, failures occur in the endocrine system. A few months after radiation exposure, the enamel of the teeth grows dull, loses its shine, areas of dark necrosis appear, and a loose necrotic mass is formed.

Gradually, areas of necrosis cover a significant part of the tooth, cavities with uneven pitted edges appear, fillings fall out. Progressive radiation necrosis affecting the hard tissues of the tooth is treated in several stages by removing the decomposed tissues and filling the bottom and walls of the cavity with a calcifying paste. Before starting radiation therapy, to reduce the direct effect of radiation on the teeth, you need to put on a lead guard, carry out a course of remineralizing therapy and take antioxidants.

All these methods will maximally protect the body from negative consequences or reduce the degree of possible effects. Irradiation of intracranial tumors, neoplasms on the head and neck is unfavorable for the body. Subsequently, brain necrosis can be observed. Such complications develop quickly or over several months and years. The mechanism that triggers the development of late necrosis of the central nervous system is considered damage to the vascular network of the brain.

To determine the likelihood of developing brain radiation necrosis, the dose and duration of exposure are taken into account. The clinical manifestations in this type of pathology are very diverse, they can be facilitated by different causes and conditions. If necrosis develops, excision of the affected tissue may be helpful.

Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist

Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".