Radiation Proctitis with no symptoms

[Jogey]

Hello,

I had rectal cancer in December 2018 and was treated with radiotherapy which got rid of the cancer. A five year follow up on watch and wait showed no recurrence of cancer so I was discharged.

I had some rectal bleeding recently (about 6 years after radiotherapy ended) and for the first time (after many endoscopies during watch and wait)

the surgeon doing the colonoscopy said I had significant radiation proctitis. I am not experiencing any significant symptoms apart from intermittent bleeding which may or may not be the result of haemorrhoids that I have. No evidence of cancer was found.

My question is seeing as I am getting no pain, no disturbing symptoms and my bowels function normally can I just ignore the "significant radiation proctitis in my mid rectum" or does this require any action on my part.

Thank you.

Jogey

[NenaL]

Hello Jogey,

I had radiation proctitis without any other symptoms, except for bleeding. The treatment protocol is such that if it does not endanger the quality of life, no measures are taken. Blood counts are regularly monitored, especially hemoglobin and iron content, due to bleeding. If everything is fine, you can live with it. I had heavier bleeding and used sulfacrate paste as an enema. It helped, but you have to be persistent, even for several months. Here is a link where you can read the treatment protocol, and based on your symptoms, assess whether you need treatment or not.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articl...

Warm regards, Snezana

[Jogey in reply to NenaL]

Thank you so much Snezana that's really extremely helpful