Summary
X-Rays were discovered by Roentgen in 1895 and were subsequently used in the treatment
of many ailments. Numerous benign skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis have
historically been treated with X-rays. During the 1930s and 1940s radiotherapy was
introduced as an effective treatment for scalp ringworm (tinea capitis). Over the
past few years radio-induced malignancies have been reported, with basal cell carcinoma
predominating.
We report a very rare case of a 64-year-old male with a 9.5 mm Breslow thickness melanoma occurring over 50 years following irradiation. This
case highlights the presence of another risk factor in the development of melanoma.
With the increasing age of this irradiated population we may continue to see further
evidence of the link between melanoma and skin irradiation.
Keywords
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References
- Desmonstration eines cabcroids des rechten handriickens das dich nach langdauernder einwirking von Rotgenstrahlen entwickelt hatte.Fortschr Get Roentgenol. 1902; 7: 106
- Radio-induced malignancies of the scalp about 98 patients with 150 lesions and literature review.Cancer Radiother. 2004; 8: 81-87
- Skin cancer incidence among children irradiated for ringworm of the scalp.Radiat Res. 1984; 100: 192-204
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- Malignant melanoma following scalp irradiation?.Clin Exp Dermatol. 1999; 24: 425
- Malignant tumours of the scalp resulting from X-ray treatment for tinea capitis.Br J Plast Surg. 1979; 32: 52-54
- Radiation-induced cancers.Cancer Radiother. 1998; 2: 541-548
Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 10, 2007
Accepted:
March 12,
2007
Received:
July 31,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
