|  | Cancer | Other Cancers

Radiation Therapy for Rectal Cancer With Interstitial Cystitis

According to the National Cancer Institute, rectal cancer is cancer developing at the end of the large intestine, otherwise known as the rectum. Symptoms can include alterations in bowel habits, bloody stool, abdominal pain, weight loss and a decrease in appetite. The standard treatments for rectal cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is normally used in conjunction with other treatment methods and can lead to the development of a condition known as interstitial cystitis.

  1. Interstitial Cystitis

    • Learn about interstitial cystitis to determine whether radiation therapy is a risk worth taking in your particular case of rectal cancer. According to Medline Plus, interstitial cystitis involves chronic inflammation of the bladder, triggering symptoms like urinary discomfort, increased frequency of urination, pain during intercourse and localized pelvic pain. There is no cure for interstitial cystitis, and treatment methods vary from individual to individual, including the possibility of pain relief medication, bladder training through physical therapy, surgery and diet modifications to avoid problem foods. According to WrongDiagnosis.com, interstitial cystitis can occur due to inflammation triggered by regionally applied radiation therapy, as in the case with radiation therapy for rectal cancer.

    Rectal Cancer Radiation Therapy

    • Know the advantages, disadvantages and methods of radiation therapy to decide whether it is worth the risk. Radiation therapy employs high-energy radioactive waves to damage the genetic material of cancer cells, rendering them unable to continue reproducing. Unfortunately, radiation therapy is not a targeted form of therapy, as healthy surrounding tissue can also be damaged in the process. There are two main types of radiation therapy, internal and external, which differ depending on the source of the radiation. In internal radiation therapy, small objects containing radioactive material are placed within the affected region. Over time, this radiation seeps out and destroys the cancer cells. External radiation therapy consists of radiation applied from outside the body from the use of an X-ray or gamma ray machine specially designed to administer localized radioactive treatment. Aside from the possible development of interstitial cystitis, radiation therapy can lead to other side effects like fatigue, nausea, diarrhea and constipation.

Other Cancers - Related Articles