Radiation-induced malignancy of the head and neck.

Abstract

Our goal was to evaluate our experience with radiation-induced malignancy (RIM), compare that experience to the literature, and review treatment modalities. The setting is the University of Kansas Medical Center. A retrospective review was performed to identify patients with RIM. Patients were included if they met the criteria for RIM as delineated in the literature. Thirteen patients met the criteria for RIM. The mean latency period was 22 years. Sarcomas were the most common type of RIM and the paranasal sinuses were the most common location. Surgical resection was our treatment of choice. Our patient series differs from previous reports in that sarcomas were the predominating RIM and the paranasal sinuses were the most common location. We noted a shorter latency period than has been previously published. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. C.