Benign Disease
Benign conditions that can be treated with radiotherapy include:
Keloids/Hypertrophic Scars
Keloids are thick, raised scars that develop after an injury to the skin. Keloids can be disfiguring and cause symptoms such as pain, itching, and bleeding. Radiation can be delivered after a keloid is surgically removed to reduce the chance that it reforms.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is degenerative joint disease that is a frequent cause of pain and mobility issues across the world. Radiation can be used to help reduce inflammation related to arthritis and help reduce pain and mobility limitations.
Heterotopic Ossification
Heterotopic ossification is a condition in which new bone forms in soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc.) outside of normal bone in response to an injury. This can cause pain and mobility limitations. Occasionally this abnormal bone needs to be surgically removed, and radiation can be given either before or after the surgery to reduce the chance that it reforms.
Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition in which scar tissue forms beneath the surface of the hand causing the fingers to curl and bend. This condition progresses over time, can be disfiguring, and can cause functional issues with the hand. Radiation can be used to slow the progression of symptoms and improve hand function.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the fibrous tissues in the foot. It can be related to strain and repetitive injuries to the foot resulting in foot pain. Radiation can be used to alleviate pain related to this condition.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia refers to noncancerous growth of breast tissue in men. This can be related to underlying metabolic issues but can also be a side effect of medications. Radiation can be used to prevent the development of gynecomastia in men who are at high risk due to medication use (i.e., androgen deprivation therapy).
Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves’ Ophthalmopathy)
Certain conditions such as hyperthyroidism can cause inflammation behind the eyes. This can result in vision changes, pain, and swelling around the eyes. Radiation can be used to reduce swelling and improve vision in patients with this condition.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition of the trigeminal nerve in which individuals have intermittent episodes of severe facial pain. Radiation can be used to help alleviate the pain associated with this condition.
Ventricular Tachycardia
Ventricular tachycardia is heart condition in which abnormal electrical signals lead to a rapid and irregular heartbeat. This condition is managed by cardiologists, and standard treatments include medications and occasionally surgical procedures. Radiation can be used to help reduce the frequency and severity of these episodes.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin that results in skin changes, abscesses, and fistulas (tunnels under the skin). This is a lifelong condition and is managed by dermatologists with medications and surgical procedures. Radiation can be used to treat symptomatic areas that are not responding to conventional therapies.