Am I a candidate?
Hyperbaric oxygen is commonly used for delayed radiation injury in the following situations. Our team confirms candidacy during your evaluation.
- You received radiation therapy, often months or years ago.
- You have symptoms in the radiated area such as blood in the urine or stool, pain, or a wound that is not healing.
- Your urologist, gastroenterologist or radiation oncologist has linked the problem to radiation injury.
Bring your radiation oncology summary (dose and dates) and recent notes from your urologist or gastroenterologist.
What treatment involves
Resting in a clear chamber, breathing 100% oxygen; plan on about two hours per visit.
Consecutive weekdays at the location closest to you.
Your provider sets the plan based on your symptoms and response.
We work with your urologist, gastroenterologist and radiation oncologist and keep them updated on your progress.
The evidence
Delayed radiation injury to soft tissue is an approved indication of the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society and is covered under Medicare’s national coverage determination for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Questions patients ask about soft tissue radionecrosis
My radiation was years ago. Can this still be related?
Yes. Radiation injury often appears months to years after treatment, because the damage to small blood vessels develops slowly. Your physicians can help determine whether radiation is the cause.
How soon will I notice a difference?
It varies. Improvement in delayed radiation injury builds gradually over the course of treatment, and your provider will review progress with you along the way.
What will it cost me?
For covered indications, your cost is your plan's usual copay or coinsurance. We verify benefits and obtain prior authorization before you start, and tell you in writing what to expect.