Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome

Although radiation therapy is an effective treatment for cancer, it also causes damage to the normal tissues within your radiated area. This damage can then lead to a progressive condition known as Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome (RFS).

What is RFS?

Radiation can damage the normal tissues within your radiated area, such as your skin, ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves, as well as your bones and organs. In some cases, this damage leads to progressive fibrosis and hardening of these tissues - a condition known as Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome.

Symptoms:

Fibrosis results in a loss of elasticity in your tissues and a feeling of tightness in your skin and muscles within your radiated area. When your muscles and tissues become tight, you may then experience:

• pain

• muscle cramps and spasms

• a change in your posture

• decreased shoulder and neck movement

• decreased flexibility

In addition, you may also experience other symptoms in the area, such as: swelling, tenderness, decreased sensation, change in your skin's appearance (darkened skin) and a change in your skin's texture (dry, leathery).

When does it occur?

It can develop during radiation therapy or months to years after the completion of radiation. Not everyone develops Radiation Fibrosis. The development depends on multiple factors related to the radiation itself, in addition to chemotherapy, surgery and a number of patient factors.

How is it treated?

A common misconception is that nothing can be done about Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome. However, stretching, postural exercises and physiotherapy interventions are proven to:

• improve pain

• reduce muscle spasms and cramping

• restore movement of limited joints

• improve mobility of the soft tissues

• improve muscle flexibility

• improve posture