Acute side effects of pelvic and abdominal irradiation

Irradiation of the abdominal and pelvic cavities can result in acute side effects that are seen in the organs situated near the radiation target volume. The effect of radiotherapy is most potent against tissues with a high cell turnover mucosa of the bladder and gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, and ski,. acute symptoms are based on the radiation-induced damage to stem cells, resulting in an imbalance between ongoing loss and new cell production. This process is accompanied by inflammatory changes. Acute side effects usually present within 2-3 weeks after the onset of radiation and resolve in a couple of weeks after the completion of treatment. Encouraging patients to take appropriate preventive measures is of utmost importance. Treatment is conservative and depends on the severity of side effects.