Radiotherapy to the pelvic area

Radiotherapy to the pelvic area may cause long-term changes in the structures and organs in the pelvic area. In a woman this includes the:

• vagina
• womb (uterus)
• lining of the womb (endometrium)
• neck of the womb (cervix)
• ovaries
• fallopian tubes
• vulva (a woman’s external genital area)
• bladder
• urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder to the outside).

Front view of abdomen and pelvic area

Parts of the digestive system may also be affected, including:

• the large bowel (colon and rectum)
• the small bowel (especially a part called the terminal ileum)
• the back passage (anus).

The digestive system

Other body parts in the pelvic area that may be affected by radiotherapy are:

• the pelvic bones
• some lymph nodes, also known as lymph glands.