Postradiation sarcoma: case report and review of the potential complications of therapeutic ionizing radiation.

BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy is an acceptable treatment choice for many cutaneous malignancies. A potential late sequela of ionizing radiation is the development of secondary neoplasms within the treatment field. Although there are well-known cutaneous syndromes in which the use of ionizing radiation is contraindicated, in other clinical situations, physicians may not fully realize the risks associated with this therapeutic modality. OBJECTIVE: Through a case report presentation, a potential adverse consequence of radiation therapy will be discussed. A subsequent review of the literature should allow clinicians to better understand the potential risks of therapeutic radiation. METHODS: A case report and review of the literature are provided. RESULTS: A healthy black male with an unusual distribution of lower extremity squamous cell carcinomas in situ developed a malignant fibrous histiocytoma after radiation therapy. CONCLUSION: Postradiation sarcomas are uncommon complications of radiation therapy; however, the significant metastatic capabilities of these tumors demand that clinicians be aware of the potential risks of primary radiation therapy in the treatment of cutaneous tumors.

Duke Scholars

Author Jonathan Lambert Cook Dermatology