Radiation injury presenting as tumor recurrence following irradiation for non-small-cell bronchus carcinoma
Van der Planken, H.J.; Njo, K.H.; Karim, A.B.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 135(30): 1363-1366
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 1650923 Document Number: 387291
Case records of two irradiated patients, each with an inoperable non-small cell carcinoma of the bronchus, are presented. After an initial period of 1.3 and 2.3 years, respectively, of regression of the tumour symptoms occurred, viz. severe pain due to multiple rib fractures in one and a superior vena cava syndrome in the other, suggestive of tumour regrowth. Careful comparison of results of all radiographic images and radiotherapy data suggested osteoradionecrosis as the cause of the rib fractures in one patient. The long time interval and the stabilization of the symptoms in the other made tumour regrowth unlikely. The so called late tissue reaction after radiotherapy as a possible cause of symptoms in both patients is discussed.