Hi Dr. Landolfi;
Here is the next question from the group. First though, I want to pass on the sincere "thanks" expressed by many of the group members for your assistance.
We wonder - if radiation does damage to points along the path, why does it take time for that damage to show? How long does it take to see this damage? And, will that damage keep getting worse? For how long?
Thank you (as always)
Bruce
The doctor's response...
The damage radiation does to normal brain cells develops over time because normal cells are not dividing as rapidly as tumor cells where the damage becomes more evident sooner. Alot of the memory problems seen with radiation is believed to be due to blood vessel changes rather than damage to normal brain. The small blood vessels close off over time secondary to radiation damage leading to a vascular dementia where a decrease in blood flow leads to little areas of damage to normal brain. This is the prevailing theory. The damage may become evident in months on an MRI scan-it can take longer clinically. The damage may progress but then plateaus. There are several radiation syndromes that occur. Some happen acutely at the time of or soon after the radiation and others may be delayed for years. It is important ot ask the radiation oncologist all of the potential short and long term side effects of radiation so you are completely informed before you start treatment.
Dr. Landolfi