Radiation therapy is an important component of cancer treatment but can, in some cases, lead to delayed tissue injury months or years after therapies are completed. Radiation injury and radionecrosis may present as non-healing wounds, soft tissue breakdown, pain, or chronic infection.
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Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Specialists offers targeted wound care and, when appropriate, hyperbaric oxygen therapy for select radiation-related injuries.
Types of Radiation Injury Seen in Wound Care
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Radiation-related problems that may benefit from specialized wound management include:
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Soft tissue radionecrosis -new or non-healing wounds in any area previously exposed to radiation treatments, e.g., in the head and neck, chest wall, pelvis, extremities or surgical sites)
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Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw or other bones
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Chronic ulcerations or fistulas related to prior radiation therapy
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These conditions often involve compromised blood supply, fibrosis, and impairment of the standard tissue healing process.
Evaluation and Coordination of Care
Management of radiation injury is multidisciplinary. Our role typically includes:
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Detailed wound assessment and photographic documentation
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Review of radiation history and prior oncologic treatments
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Coordination with oncology, radiation oncology, surgical, dental, or other specialty teams as appropriate
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Consideration of imaging and further diagnostic workup when indicated
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We work to ensure that wound care and adjunctive therapies are integrated safely into the patient’s broader treatment plan.
Local Wound Management
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Wound care for radiation injuries focuses on:
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Gentle but effective debridement when appropriate
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Use of advanced dressings to manage exudate and protect fragile tissue
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Infection surveillance and treatment, including management of osteomyelitis where present
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Pain control strategies and support with symptom management
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Radiation Injury
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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has a well-established role in the management of select radiation injuries. HBOT can reverse the hypocellular, hypercellular & hypoxic milieu that results from radiation exposure. In addition it can:
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Improve oxygenation in hypoxic tissue
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Stimulate angiogenesis and fibroblast activity
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Enhance host immune response
HBOT may be considered for certain cases of soft tissue radionecrosis and osteoradionecrosis as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Our team evaluates candidacy based on accepted guidelines, underlying diagnoses, and individual risk factors.
Goals of Care
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In managing radiation-related wounds, our goals include:
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Promoting epithelialization & scar maturation of chronic non-healing recalcitrant wounds.
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Reducing pain and improving function
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Managing infection and minimizing the need for extensive surgery
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Supporting overall quality of life in collaboration with the patient’s oncology and surgical teams