ON THE TREATMENT OF CHANGES IN THE VAGINA FOLLOWING RADIOTHERAPY FOR GYNECOLOGIC CANCER (in German)
The clinical management of 152 women showing vaginal changes as a result of radiotherapy is reported. These changes occurred in addition to the general radiation syndrome, leucopenia, and injury to the bladder and rectum in some cases. Of prime importance are changes in the bacterial flora of the vagina following irradiation and leukorrhea was a common symptom, which in some cases appeared months after radiotherapy. Leukorrhea developed in response partly to increased bacterial proliferation in vagina and partly to radionecrosis of normal and tumor tissue. However, necrosis and ulceration of vaginal mucosa was usually self-correcting, and healing followed without further treatment. On the other hand, necrosis immediately around the tumor, which may have resulted from excessive radiation dosage, does require treatment. The vaginal changes frequently resemble senile colpitis, and may respond to estrogen therapy for a 8- 10 day period. Leukorrhea and necrosis responded best to local applications of salve or ointment containing 50% sulfonamides, 5% lactic acid, and 12.5% salicylic acid. Sulfonamides reduce infection, lactic acid lowers vaginal pH and promotes development of the normal flora (especially Doederlein' s bacillus), and salicylic acid inhibits scar formation. Successful results with this treatment, applied for weeks or months, are described. (BBB)
- Research Organization:
- Universitats-Frauenklinik, Vienna
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-038849
- OSTI ID:
- 4645382
- Journal Information:
- Wien. Med. Wochschr., Vol. Vol: 112; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-63
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- German
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