Soft Tissue Radionecrosis Treatment with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Radiation therapy can save lives — but it can also damage healthy tissue months or even years after treatment. HBOT is a proven therapy that helps repair radiation-damaged soft tissues by stimulating new blood vessel growth.
Understanding Soft Tissue Radionecrosis
Soft tissue radionecrosis occurs when radiation therapy — used to treat cancer — damages the healthy tissues surrounding the treatment area. Radiation works by destroying rapidly dividing cells, but it can also injure the small blood vessels that supply nearby healthy tissue.
Over time, this blood vessel damage reduces oxygen delivery to the affected area. Without adequate oxygen, the tissue breaks down and has difficulty healing. This can happen weeks, months, or even years after radiation treatment ends.
Symptoms may include chronic pain, tissue breakdown, open wounds that will not heal, or drainage from the affected area. Common locations include the head and neck, chest wall, pelvis, and abdomen — wherever radiation was directed.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps
HBOT stimulates the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in radiation-damaged tissue. By breathing pure oxygen at increased pressure, your blood carries significantly more oxygen to the affected area. Over the course of treatment, this promotes the formation of new capillaries that replace the damaged vasculature.
Research recognized by the UHMS demonstrates that HBOT can increase tissue oxygen levels in irradiated areas to near-normal levels after a full course of treatment. This improved blood supply supports tissue repair, reduces pain, and helps close wounds that previously would not heal.
What to Expect During Treatment
Treatment sessions last approximately 90 minutes at pressure. A typical course for soft tissue radionecrosis involves 30 to 40 sessions. Your physician develops a personalized plan based on the location and severity of your condition.
Many patients notice gradual improvement as new blood vessels form over the course of treatment. Our team coordinates closely with your oncologist and referring physician throughout your care.
Insurance & Coverage
HBOT for soft tissue radionecrosis is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most major private insurance plans when medically necessary. Our team handles insurance verification and prior authorization so you can focus on healing.
Our team handles the paperwork so you can focus on healing. We will verify your benefits, obtain any required prior authorizations, and keep you informed every step of the way.