Radiation injury

Abstract

The deleterious effects of radiation on normal tissues were recognized soon after Roentgen's original publication on A new kind of ray in 1885 [66]. Rowland reported a case of actinic dermatitis in 1896 [67] and Walsh reported on gastrointestinal toxicity in 1887 [78]. Since then, radiation-related damage to all organs has been described and studied extensively. Despite the evolution of radiotherapy into a more powerful, accurate, and safer tool for tumor control, radiation injury remains its most important limiting factor. In fact, as this modality has gained broader applications, a parallel increase in the number of patients with radiationinduced complications has been seen [1, 51]. The manifestations of radiation injury range from mild to disabling or life-threatening and can present during the course of radiation or any time later. The patients affected are often debilitated physically and psychologically. As a consequence, multifaceted problems may arise that require the involvement of several specialists. In this context, an early and precise diagnosis, coupled with appropriate treatment, cannot be overemphasized. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.