R adiation 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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