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Managing Long-Term Effects of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a common and effective treatment for various cancers. While it can be life-saving, radiation therapy can also have long-term side effects, one of the most serious being radiation fibrosis. This condition can affect many parts of the body and significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Dr. Anastasiya Quimby, a board-certified head and neck oncology surgeon, provides expert radiation fibrosis treatment in West Palm Beach.

What Is Radiation Fibrosis?

Radiation fibrosis is the formation of scar tissue in areas of the body that have been exposed to radiation therapy. The condition develops over time, often months or years after treatment, as the body tries to repair the damage caused by radiation. While radiation therapy effectively targets cancer cells, it can also affect the surrounding healthy tissues, leading to excessive scarring and stiffness.

The fibrosis primarily affects the connective tissue, which includes muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This scarring reduces the elasticity of the tissue, making it harder for the affected area to move or function normally. In some cases, radiation fibrosis can affect major organs, leading to more severe complications.

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What Causes Radiation Fibrosis?

When tissues are exposed to high doses of radiation, the body responds by trying to repair the damage, which can lead to excessive collagen production. Collagen is the protein responsible for healing wounds and forming scar tissue. In radiation fibrosis, this process goes into overdrive, leading to an abnormal buildup of scar tissue. Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing radiation fibrosis. First, the higher the radiation dose, the greater the risk of tissue damage. Radiation therapy in the head and neck region is more likely to cause fibrosis due to the density of critical structures. Areas close to organs, muscles, and nerves are more likely to experience long-term effects. Patients receiving both radiation and chemotherapy are at a higher risk of developing fibrosis.

Symptoms of Radiation Fibrosis

The symptoms of radiation fibrosis can vary depending on the part of the body affected, but common symptoms include the following:

  • Pain: Scarred tissue can compress nerves, leading to chronic pain or discomfort.
  • Stiffness and tightness: The affected area may feel tight and stiff, limiting mobility and flexibility.
  • Weakness: Muscles affected by fibrosis may become weak and lose function.
  • Difficulty breathing: Fibrosis in the chest or lungs can make it harder to breathe.
  • Swallowing difficulties: Fibrosis in the neck or throat muscles can make swallowing painful or challenging.
  • Lymphedema: Swelling caused by blocked lymphatic drainage is a common symptom, particularly in the arms and legs.

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Radiation Fibrosis Treatment in West Palm Beach

In the early stages of radiation fibrosis, non-surgical treatments may help alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Stretching, strengthening exercises, and massage therapy can help maintain mobility, reduce stiffness, and improve overall function in affected areas. Anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or pain relief drugs may be prescribed to manage discomfort. However, for more severe cases of radiation fibrosis, surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue, restore function, or prevent further complications. Dr. Quimby, with her specialized training in microvascular surgery and reconstruction, offers advanced surgical techniques to help patients regain function and improve their quality of life. 

Microvascular Reconstruction

In cases where large amounts of tissue have been damaged by fibrosis, microvascular surgery allows for the transplantation of healthy tissue from another part of the body to restore function and aesthetics. Dr. Quimby’s expertise in this field ensures precise and effective reconstruction.

Nerve Reconstruction

Nerve reconstruction focuses on restoring nerve function damaged by radiation therapy. This procedure helps alleviate symptoms like pain, numbness, and muscle weakness, allowing patients to regain sensation and mobility while improving their overall quality of life post-treatment.

Regenerative Reconstruction

Regenerative reconstruction uses platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and stem cells to promote healing and tissue regeneration after surgery. By harnessing the body’s healing power, these treatments help restore a natural appearance and functionality, improving long-term outcomes by enhancing healing.

Why Choose AQ Surgery?

Dr. Anastasiya Quimby is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with specialized fellowship training in head and neck oncology and microvascular reconstruction. She brings world-class expertise to patients affected by radiation fibrosis, focusing on restoring function in addition to aesthetics. Dr. Quimby's comprehensive approach allows her to manage complex conditions, including fibrosis resulting from radiation therapy, with precision and care.

With extensive multi-disciplinary training in oncology, ENT, dentistry, and plastic surgery, Dr. Quimby offers a holistic treatment plan to promote faster recovery and improved outcomes. Her practice emphasizes accurate diagnosis, personalized care, and enhancing her patients' quality of life. Dr. Quimby's specialized focus on treating radiation fibrosis ensures patients receive the highest level of care, combining advanced surgical techniques with compassionate, individualized treatment.

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Enhance Your Quality of Life at AQ Surgery

If you or a loved one is experiencing the debilitating effects of radiation fibrosis, it’s important to seek expert care to manage symptoms and restore your body’s comfortable mobility. Dr. Quimby offers specialized radiation fibrosis treatment in West Palm Beach designed to address the complications caused by radiation therapy. Contact AQ Surgery today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Quimby and take the first step toward enhancing your quality of life.

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