Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0043352 (xerostomia)
 4,250 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Special side effects which relate to specific areas are discussed. Head and neck radiation produces acute problems related to swallowing, dry mouth, sore throat and thickened saliva which all require medication. Alteration of taste may last for months after radiation is completed. Radiation to lungs may cause worsening breathlessness and coughing which may necessitate interruption of treatment. Radiation to pelvis and abdomen result in nausea and diarrhoea which usually respond to treatment. Proctitis, vaginal discharge and urinary problems all need attention. With cranial radiation, hair loss is a major problem and unlike chemotherapy induced alopecia, there is poor recovery. Patients must be informed that their condition will improve when radiation ceases, and not attribute all symptoms to underlying disease. Protection in this country is in line with international standards and strict adherence protects the work force. Patients with radioactive sources in situ e.g. radium or implants such as gold seeds, iridium wires, or being treated by radioactive iodine all require special nursing and are nursed in a protected ward. Staff wear film badges to detect radiation absorbed. If in doubt about safety measures contact superiors or radiophysics department of hospital. Patients already isolated from visitors must not be neglected and nurses must observe instructions and then proceed with safety.
 ...
PMID:About radiotherapy--Part II. Side effects and staff protection. 273 65

Intensity modulated radiation therapy has demonstrated its ability to prevent xerostomia in the treatment of head and neck cancers, as well as post-radiation related proctitis in prostate cancer. In the management of cervical carcinomas, many published dosimetric studies have shown its ability to limit the irradiation of organs at risk. However, clinical data remain limited to comparisons of cohorts, mostly retrospective, but promising. This review aims to update the current state of knowledge.
...
PMID:[Intensity-modulated radiotherapy in cervical cancer: towards a new standard?]. 2446 78