Radiation fibrosis syndrome (also known as radiation fibrosis or radiation-induced fibrosis) is a human illness. It occurs as a result of cell death, and can be caused by radiotherapy. It is characterized by the accumulation of fibrin in irradiated tissues.[1]
Symptoms
editSerious cases manifest with the following symptoms:
- Dyspnea
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Dry cough
- Pain in the muscles and joints
- Digital clubbing[2]
Diagnosis
editFor the diagnosis, the following tests can be performed.
- Hematic biometry
- Imaging tests such as X-rays or tomography
- Pulmonary function tests
- Biopsy [3]
Treatment
editPulmonary fibrosis is not currently curable; but some steps can be taken to minimize its effects, such as changing the treatment regimen. Other measures that should be taken into account are quitting smoking (if applicable), oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus to prevent lung infections, or in extreme cases, a lung transplant. Under certain circumstances, antifibrotic agents such as pirfenidone or nintedanib can be used.[4]
References
edit- ^ "Síndrome de fibrosis por radiación". OncoLink. Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
- ^ "Fibrosis pulmonar". Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). 2021. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
- ^ "Pulmonary fibrosis". Cleveland Clinic. 2021. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
- ^ "Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis". AMBOSS. 2021. Retrieved 2 May 2022.