Ocular and orbital complications following radiation therapy of paranasal sinus malignancies and review of literature

Journal Article · Tue Mar 15 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Cancer (Philadelphia); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-0142(19830315)51:6<980::AID-CNCR2820510603>3.0.CO;2-Y· OSTI ID:5992794

Nakissa, N; Rubin, P; Strohl, R; Keys, H

During the period from March 1963 through March 1978, 30 patients with malignant neoplasms of the paranasal sinuses were treated with supervoltage technique at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Twenty-one patients had at least the medial portion of the orbit within the effective treatment volume and the rest of the patients had whole eye irradiation. In paranasal sinus malignancies, orbital involvement with ocular symptoms and signs is quite common; in many patients it can be the presenting problem. Enucleation is necessary in patients with gross orbital tumor. Eye preservation is worthwhile in patients with minimal orbital tumor. Anterior complications are a minimal risk if the technique is good. Posterior complications occur in almost all patients, but are rarely clinically significant until doses of 6000 rad or above are reached. In patients without gross orbital involvement, preservation of the eye can be considered optional treatment. It includes shielding of the anterior structures, but it is usually not possible to protect medial and posterior portions of the eye and orbit. In advanced cases, it is worthwhile to preserve the eye as cure rate is low and posterior eye complications are often late. Because the aim of treatment is cure, dose should not be compromised to prevent complications. Radiation injury to the optic nerve and retina is the major factor in visual loss, but it can be prevented by limiting the retinal and optic nerve dose to less than 6000 rad.

• Research Organization: Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, University of Rochester, New York
• OSTI ID: 5992794
• Journal Information: Cancer (Philadelphia); (United States), Journal Name: Cancer (Philadelphia); (United States) Vol. 51:6; ISSN CANCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550603 -- Medicine-- External Radiation in Therapy-- (1980-)
560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL SHIELDING
BODY
BODY AREAS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DISEASES
DOSES
EYES
FACE
HEAD
MEDICINE
NEOPLASMS
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
PATIENTS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIOINDUCTION
RADIOLOGY
RADIOSENSITIVITY
RADIOTHERAPY
RECOMMENDATIONS
SENSE ORGANS
SHIELDING
SIDE EFFECTS
SINUSES
THERAPY