Histopathological study of radionecrosis in laryngeal carcinoma

Journal Article · Mon Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Laryngoscope; (United States)

OSTI ID:5597200

Keene, M; Harwood, A R; Bryce, D P; van Nostrand, A W

With modern radiotherapy techniques, clinical radionecrosis is uncommon following eradication of primary squamous cell carcinoma from the larynx. Histologic sections from 265 specimens, prepared by the technique of whole organ subserial step-sectioning were studied to determine the incidence and location of chondronecrosis and/or osteomyelitis in both irradiated and non-irradiated cases. Chondronecrosis occurred in only 1 of 41 early (pT1 - pT2) tumors but in 143 advanced tumors (pT - pT4) treated with radical radiotherapy and containing residual carcinoma, 27% had evidence of significant necrosis, compared with 24% of those not irradiated. Age, sex, tumor grade and previous laryngeal surgery did not appear to be significant factors in the development of necrosis in irradiated patients. The arytenoid cartilage was most frequently involved when chondronecrosis occurred in association with radiotherapy. Six total laryngectomy specimens (3%) were received from patients with symptoms of chondronecrosis and in whom no residual tumor was present. We conclude that although the incidence of clinical perichondritis is low, histologic chondronecrosis and/or osteomyelitis occurred in 26% of all the larynges studied. Radiotherapy appears to be a significant causative factor only in advanced supraglottic tumors.

• Research Organization: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Toronto, Ont., Canada
• OSTI ID: 5597200
• Journal Information: Laryngoscope; (United States), Journal Name: Laryngoscope; (United States) Vol. 92:2; ISSN LARYA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
CARCINOMAS
DISEASES
LARYNX
MEDICINE
NECROSIS
NEOPLASMS
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
PATIENTS
RADIOINDUCTION
RADIOLOGY
RADIOTHERAPY
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SIDE EFFECTS
THERAPY