BACKGROUND: There is a higher risk for malignant tumours in patients who underwent any kind of radiotherapy. MAIN OBSERVATIONS: An 87-year-old patient with an extended squamous cell carcinoma of the neck was referred to our hospital. The large ulcerated tumour showed a deep infiltration of the para-vertebral muscles and the spinal processes C6-C7. The tumour was known since about six years and appeared about 46 years after low-dose radiotherapy of a cervical haemangioma of the neck in 1961. The large dimension of the tumour leaded to a radical surgical removal and a sufficient fast reconstruction strategy. The extended defect was covered by a pedicled lower musculocutaneous trapezius flap. No postoperative complications like partial necrosis, infection or movement disorders of the shoulder or a shoulder drop syndrome were seen. Ten weeks after the operation the patient showed a good functional and aesthetic result with no limitation of arm mobility. Two and a half years after radical intended surgery the patient was still alive and showed no recurrence of the tumour. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion there is a need for a life-time lasting dermatological supervision in patients with a history of radiotherapy in the past, because the handling of patients with such an enlarged tumour is complicated.
BACKGROUND: There is a higher risk for malignant tumours in patients who underwent any kind of radiotherapy. MAIN OBSERVATIONS: An 87-year-old patient with an extended squamous cell carcinoma of the neck was referred to our hospital. The large ulcerated tumour showed a deep infiltration of the para-vertebral muscles and the spinal processes C6-C7. The tumour was known since about six years and appeared about 46 years after low-dose radiotherapy of a cervical haemangioma of the neck in 1961. The large dimension of the tumour leaded to a radical surgical removal and a sufficient fast reconstruction strategy. The extended defect was covered by a pedicled lower musculocutaneous trapezius flap. No postoperative complications like partial necrosis, infection or movement disorders of the shoulder or a shoulder drop syndrome were seen. Ten weeks after the operation the patient showed a good functional and aesthetic result with no limitation of arm mobility. Two and a half years after radical intended surgery the patient was still alive and showed no recurrence of the tumour. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion there is a need for a life-time lasting dermatological supervision in patients with a history of radiotherapy in the past, because the handling of patients with such an enlarged tumour is complicated.
Authors: M R Karagas; J A McDonald; E R Greenberg; T A Stukel; J E Weiss; J A Baron; M M Stevens Journal: J Natl Cancer Inst Date: 1996-12-18 Impact factor: 13.506
Authors: Margaret R Karagas; Heather H Nelson; Michael S Zens; Martha Linet; Therese A Stukel; Steve Spencer; Katie M Applebaum; Leila Mott; Kiyohiko Mabuchi Journal: Epidemiology Date: 2007-11 Impact factor: 4.822