MEDICAL DICTIONARY
Radiation fibrosis: Scarring of the lungs from radiation.
Radiation fibrosis is a sequel of radiation pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs due to radiation), as from radiation therapy . Radiation pneumonitis typically occurs after radiation treatments for cancer within the chest or breast and usually manifests itself 2 weeks to 6 months after completion of radiation therapy . Symptoms include shortness of breath upon activity, cough and fever . Radiation pneumonitis frequently is discovered as an incidental finding on chest x-ray in patients who have no symptoms.
Scarring of the lungs with radiation fibrosis is an aftermath of persistent radiation pneumonitis. Radiation fibrosis typically occurs a year after the completion of radiation treatments.
Whereas radiation pneumonitis is often reversible with medications that reduce inflammation, such as cortisone drugs ( prednisone and others), radiation fibrosis is usually irreversible and permanent.
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