Vaginal necrosis: A rare late toxicity after radiation therapy

Vaginal necrosis is a late radiation tissue injury with serious morbidity complications. It is rare, and its incidence is not well assessed in prospective trials. Patient comorbidities and radiation dose can significantly increase the risk. As treatment of gynecologic malignancies often involve a multidisciplinary approach, timely diagnosis and appropriate management by physicians of the team are crucial. Untreated vaginal necrosis can lead to infection, hemorrhage, necrosis-related fistulation to the bladder or rectum, perforation, and death. In this review, we describe the pathophysiology of vaginal necrosis, its clinical course, and management options. (c) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Vaginal necrosis, a late radiation tissue injury, can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Factors such as patient comorbidities and radiation dose significantly increase the risk, requiring a multidisciplinary approach for timely diagnosis and appropriate management. Failure to address vaginal necrosis can result in infection, hemorrhage, fistulation, perforation, and even death.