title: Radiation-induced sarcoma of bone: clinical and radiographic findings in 43 patients irradiated for soft tissue neoplasms.
abstract: Sarcomas rarely follow irradiation of benign lesions of bone as the dangers of this form of therapy is well recognised. Forty-three patients with soft tissue neoplasms - mainly carcinoma - were irradiated and developed sarcomas in the radiation field. Twenty-four of these patients were seen at this centre in the last decade, a considerable increase compared to earlier years. Radiation osteitis may indicate the nature of the tumour but was only present in 50%. A purely lytic or purely sclerotic pattern was commoner than a mixed lytic and sclerotic appearance. CT scan, bone scan and angiography were helpful in delineating disease but did not assist in diagnosing the type of tumour. A tumour arising within the irradiated field is an indication for biopsy. Prognosis of radiation-induced sarcoma (RIS) remains poor, only five of the 43 patients survived 5 years.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002813:Chondrosarcoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005354:Fibrosarcoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018219:Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*