Radiation-induced oesophageal injury

Radiation therapy can cause oesophageal injury when the oesophagus is within the radiation field—it may occur even if the radiation is not directed at the oesophagus (ie the radiation may be directed at the thyroid or breast)Murro, 2015. Symptoms commonly include dysphagia and odynophagia (painful swallowing) and may be severe enough to limit oral intake.

The risk of radiation-induced oesophageal injury depends on patient-specific risk factors and the radiation regimen. The eviQ website includes a detailed guideline about assessment and management of radiation-induced oesophageal injury.