Lethal delayed radiation necrosis of the brain as a complication of radiotherapy for cancer in the head and neck.
Necrosis of the brain following irradiation of tumors adjacent to the cranial cavity is an insidious and often fatal complication. Three patients with this complication are reported. Recognition of the condition is often delayed due to the long time interval between irradiation and manifestation of first symptoms. Accurate shielding and limitation of irradiation to the brain may prevent this problem.
D000368:Aged; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D004431:Ear, External; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D009336:Necrosis / Q000209:etiology*; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D013997:Time Factors