Radiation therapy of the nasopharynx: a 30 year view.
A 15 to 30 year follow-up study has been made of radium therapy to the nasopharynx for Eustachian tube obstruction and serous otitis, with a review of the relevant literature. No malignancies or other complications have been seen or recorded. Objective evaluation leads to the conclusion that this is a safe, effective treatment modality. In spite of this it has been discontinued because of public fear and pressure. A judgement reached for this reason, ignoring scientific medical facts, contains the seeds of decline of quality and effectiveness of medical care.
D000234:Adenoids / Q000473:pathology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006314:Hearing Loss, Conductive / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy; D007223:Infant; D009305:Nasopharynx; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011883:Radium / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012008:Recurrence
D011883:Radium