An unwanted side effect of
radiation therapy. There are two types of radionecrosis: osteoradionecrosis (when bone is damaged), and soft tissue radionecrosis which affects
skin,
muscle, and
organs.
When blood vessels are
irradiated, they become scarred and narrow.
Necrosis, death of bone or soft tissue, results. An enriched oxygen environment such as a
hyperbaric chamber can minimize damage to tissues while giving
blood vessels time to heal. Any
tissue which has
necrotized must be removed.