Hi everybody,

I'm 33 y.o. and I'm about to do radiotherapy for my 2 hands + 2 feet and I would like to know if there is any risk in developing fibrosis on the foot and the hand (especially fingers) due to this treatment?

I had 2 surgeries in the past to remove cords on 2 different fingers. It was not a success even if surgery acts were apparently well done. I have developed fibrosis and adherence of the ligaments on the fingers operated.
As a result the operated fingers are rigid/bloked in a medium curved position, impossible to flex the 2 last phalanxes.
Moreover, the fingers (including area not operated of the hand) have suffered from a flexion limitation (I can't flex my fingers as much as before).

Is there is any similar side effect known with radiotherapy?
It would be worth to knowing it, so I would 1st do a test on 1 extremity only.

Thanks before hand for your contribution.

Best regards,
Mathieu

spanishbuddha:

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The radiation doses, and depth, used with the treatment of DD and LD are much lower than those used to treat many cancers. So the risk of long term side effects, such as a cancer or fibrosis are much reduced. Your radiologist should be able to advise further.

I hope you know that RT is not a preventive treatment, and timing is everything. It appears most useful during either early symptoms, or active symptoms.

stephenp:

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Also I think the effectiveness of RT post surgery is also less clear. There is no data that I am aware of.

No study shows >20 yrs results. Radiation induced cancers have a 15-20 yr latency period.
Radiation was not recommended for me, in 20 yrs I would only be 52.