Increased risk of salivary gland tumors after low-dose irradiation.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the risk of neoplastic development among persons exposed to scalp irradiation.


METHODS
Historical cohort study initially; prospective follow-up subsequently.


METHODS
Two control groups--population and siblings--matched for age, sex, ethnic origin, and year of immigration. Follow-up from time of irradiation (1950s) until the end of 1991. Linkage with nationwide cancer registry.


RESULTS
A 4.5-fold incidence of cancer (P < .01) and a 2.6-fold increase of benign tumors were noted. The mean length of latency period until tumor development was 11 years for malignant tumors and 21.5 years for benign. A clear dose response effect for both cancer and benign tumors was demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
The study confirms the role of radiation in salivary gland carcinogenesis. It indicates a need for better awareness, a comprehensive examination, and long-term follow-up of patients who have been subjected to head and neck radiation.
Modan
B
B
Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, and The Stanley Steyer Institute for Cancer Epidemiology and Research, Tel Aviv University School of Medicine, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Chetrit
A
A
Alfandary
E
E
Tamir
A
A
Lusky
A
A
Wolf
M
M
Shpilberg
O
O
D000293:Adolescent; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016371:Cranial Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology*; D012042:Registries; D012306:Risk; D012307:Risk Factors; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014006:Tinea Capitis / Q000532:radiotherapy*