Radiation proctitis is inflammation and damage of the rectal lining caused by radiation therapy for cancers such as prostate, cervical, or bladder cancer. Symptoms may appear during treatment or develop months to years later. Early recognition and treatment help prevent serious complications.
Typical signs of radiation proctitis include:
Radiation proctitis develops when radiation harms the small blood vessels and soft tissues of the rectum. Risk factors and contributing causes include:
Don't wait to address your radiation proctitis symptoms. At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, our expert team is ready to provide personalized diagnostics and treatment plans designed for your comfort and long-term health. Call us now at 832-632-4070 or visit our website to book your appointment online. Let us partner with you to restore your wellness and quality of life.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Radiation proctitis is inflammation and swelling of the rectal lining that occurs after radiation therapy, most commonly for cancers of the prostate, cervix, bladder, or other nearby organs.
Yes. If left untreated, radiation proctitis can lead to persistent bleeding, ulceration, scarring, or strictures in the rectum, which may impact quality of life and require more aggressive interventions.
Radiation damages the small blood vessels and soft tissues of the rectal lining, leading to inflammation, ulceration, and over time, the development of scar tissue.
Symptoms include rectal bleeding, a persistent urge to defecate, rectal pain or pressure, mucus discharge in the stool, and frequent or loose bowel movements.
Symptoms can appear during radiation treatment (acute proctitis) or months to years after therapy has concluded (chronic proctitis).
Diagnosis typically involves a medical history review, physical examination, and confirmation via colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. In some cases, a biopsy may be taken to rule out other conditions.
The ICD-10 code for radiation proctitis is K62.7, which is used for medical records and insurance billing.
Treatment options include dietary modifications (low-fiber diet), anti-inflammatory medications (oral or rectal), endoscopic therapies to control bleeding, sucralfate enemas, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for more severe or resistant cases.
While modern radiation techniques (such as IMRT) reduce exposure to the rectum, some risk remains. Preventive strategies include careful planning of radiation fields and close monitoring during and after therapy.
If you experience any rectal bleeding, pain, persistent diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits during or after radiation therapy, you should seek medical evaluation promptly.
