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Which of the following is a late effect of radiation therapy on the bladder?
Fibrosis
Adhesions
Cardiomyopathy
Hyperplasia
The correct answer is: Fibrosis
A late effect of radiation therapy on the bladder is fibrosis. This occurs when the tissues of the bladder become thickened and scarred, resulting from the body's healing response to radiation exposure. The radiation can damage the normal tissue and blood supply, leading to a decrease in elasticity and function of the bladder. Fibrosis can manifest in various ways, including decreased bladder capacity, increased bladder stiffness, and, in some cases, urinary incontinence or frequency. Understanding the implications of fibrosis due to radiation therapy is crucial for managing patients’ symptoms and improving their quality of life. This type of late effect can significantly impact bladder function and must be addressed in a comprehensive treatment plan for patients who have undergone radiation therapy for pelvic malignancies. Other options refer to conditions or effects that may not be primarily associated with radiation therapy on the bladder specifically. For instance, adhesions typically involve the formation of scar tissue in the abdomen and pelvis, cardiomyopathy is a condition affecting the heart muscle, and hyperplasia refers to an increase in the number of cells in an organ, which can occur in various tissues but is not specifically attributed to radiation therapy effects on the bladder.