Radiation injury of the anorectal region.
The mechanisms of radiation damage to the lower bowel are reviewed. Acute, chronic and late sequelae are described. Considering the number of pelvic malignancies treated primarily by intracavitary and external beam radiotherapy, serious morbidity is comparatively rare. Technical factors leading to ill effects and the contribution of current and future trends in radiotherapeutic technique are briefly mentioned.
D001003:Anal Canal / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010386:Pelvic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012007:Rectum / Q000528:radiation effects*