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Radiation-induced tumours of the head and neck

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

B. F. A. M. van der Laan
Affiliation:
Departments of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryThe Netherlands Cancer Institute(Antoni van Leeuwenhoekhuis), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
G. BARIS
Affiliation:
Departments of Radiotherapy. The Netherlands Cancer Institute(Antoni van Leeuwenhoekhuis), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
R. Th. Gregor
Affiliation:
Departments of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryThe Netherlands Cancer Institute(Antoni van Leeuwenhoekhuis), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
F. J. M. Hilgers
Affiliation:
Departments of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryThe Netherlands Cancer Institute(Antoni van Leeuwenhoekhuis), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
A. J. M. Balm*
Affiliation:
Departments of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryThe Netherlands Cancer Institute(Antoni van Leeuwenhoekhuis), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
*
Address for correspondence: Dr A. J. M. Balm, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute (Antoni van Leeuwenhoekhuis), Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Abstract

In order to study the induction of malignancy in normal tissues due to ionizing radiation, we reviewed the files of 2500 patients with a tumour of the head and neck treated at the Netherlands Cancer Institute (Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Ziekenhuis), Amsterdam, from 1977 to 1993. We then checked whether or not these patients had been previously irradiated. Patients with a thyroid carcinoma or skin cancer were excluded from the study, since it is generally known that previous irradiation is a risk factor in these tumours. Eighteen patients were found to have a malignancy within a previously irradiated area (0.70 per cent). The mean interval between radiation and diagnosis of the head and neck tumour was 36.5 years. There were five soft tissue sarcomas, nine squamous cell carcinomas and four salivary gland tumours. Fourteen patients were operated upon whereas four received palliative treatment only. The median survival of the total group was 3.5 years. Particularly. in young patients because of the better cancer therapy and prolonged survival one must be aware of the increased risk of radiation-induced tumours.

Type
Oncology in Focus
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1995

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