Radiation cystitis is inflammation of the bladder lining caused by radiation therapy. Symptoms include pain, reduced bladder function, and blood in urine. Treatment includes medication, diet, exercise, and surgery. Symptoms can be acute or chronic, and diagnosis is through urine tests and cytoscopy.
Radiation cystitis is a condition in which complications of radiation therapy cause swelling and inflammation of the lining of the bladder, resulting in pain and a reduction in proper bladder function. It is most commonly a side effect of radiation treatment of cancers in the pelvic area such as the prostate, cervix and bladder. While usually not serious, the condition can range in severity from temporary difficulties with urination to a more rare total stoppage of bladder function that can lead to death. Symptoms of radiation cystitis are not always immediate and can often appear months after radiation therapy is completed.
The condition can be treated with medications, diet, exercise and, on rare occasions, surgery. Medications can be used to improve the process of emptying and contracting the bladder, or to relax the muscles so the patient doesn’t feel the need to void as often. Bladder irritation can be reduced by avoiding drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or citrus juice. There are also pelvic and bladder exercises that can help tone the muscles involved in urination, thus offering better control and smoother, less painful elimination. If there is a large amount of blood in the urine or if the patient has severe urine retention problems, surgery may be required.
Radiation cystitis is most commonly diagnosed with a combination of urine tests and cytoscopy. Urinalysis can help your doctor determine whether white or red blood cells are in your urine, which can indicate the condition. Cytoscopy involves using an instrument with a light on the end to physically examine the inside of the bladder for abnormalities.
Medical professionals typically organize symptoms of radiation cystitis into two categories: acute and late-stage or chronic. The acute symptoms of the condition tend to result from inflammation of the bladder due to radiation. They include increased urgency and frequency of urination. Chronic symptoms of radiation cystitis include ulcers, fistulas, incontinence, and general bladder dysfunction.
Other common symptoms of radiation cystitis include pain or a burning sensation when urinating or an inability to adequately empty the bladder. Urine may be cloudy or contain small or large amounts of blood. There may also be urinary incontinence or frequent urination during the night. Some patients have abdominal pain or pressure in the pelvis. Urine may also have an unusually unpleasant odor.
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