Radiation-induced esophageal injury: a spectrum from esophagitis to cancer.
Radiation esophagitis is a common but frequently unrecognized complication of therapeutic radiation to the neck, chest, or mediastinum. The spectrum of injury ranges from acute self-limited esophagitis to life-threatening esophageal perforation. Complications such as stricture or primary esophageal cancer may occur many years after irradiation, and their linkage to radiation may not be considered. Five cases of radiation-induced injury are described, and the spectrum of radiation-induced esophageal injury is reviewed.
Vanagunas
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Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois.
Jacob
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Olinger
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D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000209:etiology*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D004941:Esophagitis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage