Gastro-Intestinal
Introduction
Treatment for childhood cancer can cause severe early side effects which involve the gut and these may translate into chronic health problems many years later.
These long term side effects are uncommon but can be very serious.
Mucosal inflammation may result in chronic fibrosis and scarring. The small intestine is especially sensitive to damage because of the rapid cell turn over.
Patients who are especially at risk for chronic GI problems are those that were previously treated with abdominal or pelvic radiation therapy (RT) for tumors such as rhabdomyosarcoma because:
- The dose of RT required is moderately high
- Possible previous surgery (risk of adhesions)
- Concurrent chemotherapy with RT has a sensitizing effect.
Normal anatomy and function:
This section relates to the:
- Upper GI tract:
- from oropharynx to ileocecal valve
- Includes:
- Lower GI tract:
- Includes:
