Radiation-induced skin carcinomas of the head and neck

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · Radiation Research; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3578117· OSTI ID:6056564

Ron, E; Modan, B; Preston, D; Alfandary, E; Stovall, M; Boice, Jr, J D ^[1]

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1. National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD (USA)

Radiation exposures to the scalp during childhood for tinea capitis were associated with a fourfold increase in skin cancer, primarily basal cell carcinomas, and a threefold increase in benign skin tumors. Malignant melanoma, however, was not significantly elevated. Overall, 80 neoplasms were identified from an extensive search of the pathology logs of all major hospitals in Israel and computer linkage with the national cancer registry. Radiation dose to the scalp was computed for over 10,000 persons irradiated for ringworm (mean 7 Gy), and incidence rates were contrasted with those observed in 16,000 matched comparison subjects. The relative risk of radiogenic skin cancer did not differ significantly between men or women or by time since exposure; however, risk was greatest following exposures in early childhood. After adjusting for sex, ethnic origin, and attained age, the estimated excess relative risk was 0.7 per Gy and the average excess risk over the current follow-up was 0.31/10(4) PY-Gy. The risk per Gy of radiation-induced skin cancer was intermediate between the high risk found among whites and no risk found among blacks in a similar study conducted in New York City. This finding suggests the role that subsequent exposure to uv radiation likely plays in the expression of a potential radiation-induced skin malignancy.

• OSTI ID: 6056564
• Journal Information: Radiation Research; (USA), Journal Name: Radiation Research; (USA) Vol. 125:3; ISSN 0033-7587; ISSN RAREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BODY
BODY AREAS
CARCINOMAS
DELAYED RADIATION EFFECTS
DISEASES
DOSES
HEAD
MEDICINE
NECK
NEOPLASMS
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOINDUCTION
RADIOLOGY
RADIOTHERAPY
RISK ASSESSMENT
SIDE EFFECTS
SKIN
THERAPY