Postradiation sarcoma: case report and review of the potential complications of therapeutic ionizing radiation.
BACKGROUND
Radiation therapy is an acceptable treatment choice for many cutaneous malignancies. A potential late sequela of ionizing radiation is the development of secondary neoplasms within the treatment field. Although there are well-known cutaneous syndromes in which the use of ionizing radiation is contraindicated, in other clinical situations, physicians may not fully realize the risks associated with this therapeutic modality.


OBJECTIVE
Through a case report presentation, a potential adverse consequence of radiation therapy will be discussed. A subsequent review of the literature should allow clinicians to better understand the potential risks of therapeutic radiation.


METHODS
A case report and review of the literature are provided.


RESULTS
A healthy black male with an unusual distribution of lower extremity squamous cell carcinomas in situ developed a malignant fibrous histiocytoma after radiation therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Postradiation sarcomas are uncommon complications of radiation therapy; however, the significant metastatic capabilities of these tumors demand that clinicians be aware of the potential risks of primary radiation therapy in the treatment of cutaneous tumors.
Fangman
William L
WL
Department of Medicine (Dermatology), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Cook
Jonathan L
JL
D000328:Adult; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018219:Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*