Radiation Enteritis

What can be done to prevent the disease?

It is very difficult to prevent radiation enteritis when radiation therapy is used. Effectively treating the cancer is the most important goal. Large doses of radiation may be needed to kill the cancer.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Acute radiation enteritis usually resolves without lasting effects. Chronic radiation enteritis occurring many years after treatment is harder to treat. If it is not severe, the problems can be managed with changes in diet and other interventions. The damage may be so extensive that the person will have to undergo surgery to remove the affected bowel or to repair an opening from the bowel to another organ.

What are the risks to others?

Radiation enteritis poses no risk to others.