EVALUATION OF SKIN SIDE EFFECTS OF RADIATION THERAPY IN ABDOMINAL AND PELVIC REGIONS: A CLINICAL ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the skin side effects of abdominal and pelvic radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is widely used in the treatment of various cancers, but it can cause significant skin changes as a side effect. These effects are classified into acute, subacute, or chronic stages depending on their timing and severity. Material and Methods: We examined 60 patients who underwent radiation therapy between 2016 and 2018 and obtained their information from treatment records. Sixteen patients received palliative radiation therapy, while 44 patients received curative radiation therapy. Pelvic radiation therapy was administered to 41 patients, and abdominal radiation therapy was performed on 19 patients. The end point of the study was assesing skin reactions.The grading of radiation dermatitis was evaluated by  using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group / European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria. Results: 75% of the study population was male and 25% female. The ages of the patients ranged from 29 to 82, with a median age of 56. The grade 1 side effect rate among patients who experienced side effects was calculated as 82.75% (24 patients), while the grade 2 side effect rate was calculated as 17.24% (5 patients). These side effects were generally mild to moderate and did not significantly differ based on patient age or gender. However, patients receiving concurrent chemotherapy showed an increased frequency of skin side effects (p