Definition of Radiation enteritis:

Radiation enteritis is swelling (inflammation) of the lining of the small intestine due to radiation therapy, a type of cancer treatment.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Anyone with cancer that requires radiation therapy to the belly area is at risk. This may include persons with cervical, uterine, or rectal cancer.

If the damage lasts only a short time, it is called acute radiation enteritis. If damage persists and causes long-standing inflammation in the intestine, it is called chronic radiation enteritis.

Chronic radiation enteritis results in long-term diarrhea.