Pathology and Pathogenesis of Radiation Bowel Disease: Histopathological Appraisal in the Clinical Setting

Abstract

Over the last half century, radiotherapy has been established as a very effective treatment modality for solid tumours. Large numbers of patients owe their lives to this treatment; however, radiotherapy is not without a price. When applied to the pelvic organs, radiotherapy carries potential serious complications, including in the small and large bowels. This article describes the magnitude of the clinical and social problems of radiation bowel disease, presents the histopathological features, and puts these features in the clinical context of the condition. The article will not address prevention and management for radiation bowel disease nor complications outside the gastrointestinal tract.