Three weeks after beginning radiation therapy for prostate cancer, a 64-year-old man experiences diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. Abdominal tenderness is visible on physical examination. The intestinal mucosa has hyperemia, edema, erosion, and ulceration, according to sigmoidoscopy. The chemistry of the stool and serum is typical. Suspected radiation enteritis. Which of the following is most likely the primary mechanism responsible for this patient's intestinal changes?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Ionizing radiation primarily damages DNA and cells by producing reactive oxygen species, which can lead to tissue damage and chronic inflammation. The early effects of radiation exposure on the gastrointestinal system often appear several weeks after radiotherapy begins and take the form of abdominal pain and diarrhea as a result of mucosal denudation, inflammation, and edema.

Three Weeks After Beginning Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer, a 64-Year-Old