Search

Recurrence developed in 53 patients with carcinoma of the cervix; all were irradiated initially and on retreatment. Only 1 patient with persistent disease and/or biopsy-proved carcinoma recurrent within six months following initial treatment is alive at three and a half years. Patients with early recurrence responded better to radium or transvaginal cone; none survived five years. Patients with recurrence after five years showed recovery of normal tissues and demonstrate the need for vigorous treatment. High radiation doses are needed in retreatment situations. The high incidence of complications and low salvage rates suggest surgery as an alternative to re-irradiation.

Recognition of the existing controversy over the use of oral prostheses in patients treated for malignant tumors of the head and neck led to the formulation of a questionnaire for radiotherapists and prosthodontists. The purpose of the survey was to compare the opinions of two disciplines on the management of the oral cavity after megavoltage therapy. The survey attempts to obtain the opinion of therapeutic radiologists and prosthodontists as to whether or not intraoral prosthesis might increase the incidence of osteoradionecrosis in patients who have received radiotherapy to the oral region. Questions related to response of the oral mucosa to therapeutically administered radiation, as well as questions on the effects of varying absorbed doses, are included. Paterson (10) believed that a necessary consequence of irradiation in malignant tumors of the head and neck was a certain incidence of osteoradionecrosis and that it could only be prevented by inadequate dosage. It is usually accepted that trauma and ...