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Effect of radiation injury on the growing face
Insights
The minimal irradiation dosage causing growth retardation in children remains unknown. Surgery is suggested for childhood head and neck tumors due to fewer side effects than radiation therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Ionizing radiation's effects on developing tissues are a significant concern in pediatric cancer treatment.
- Children undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck tumors face potential growth disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on ionizing radiation's impact on pediatric growth.
- To present findings on children treated with radiation therapy at the University of Dusseldorf.
- To evaluate alternative treatment modalities for childhood head and neck tumors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on ionizing radiation effects on growing tissues.
- Analysis of pediatric patient data from the Clinic for Maxillo-Facial and Plastic Surgery, University of Dusseldorf.
- Comparison of side effects between radiation therapy and surgical interventions.
Main Results:
- The minimal radiation dose causing growth retardation in infants and children is not yet established.
- Radiation therapy for head and neck tumors in children can lead to growth impairment.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to determine safe radiation dosage limits for pediatric patients.
- Surgical treatment for childhood head and neck tumors may be preferable due to fewer side effects.
- Advances in reconstructive surgery offer effective solutions for jaw resections in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
The literature on the effect of ionizing radiations on developing and rapidly growing tissue has been reviewed, and the effect especially on children who received radiation therapy in the Clinic for Maxillo-Facial and Plastic Surgery of the University of Dusseldorf for various tumours of the head and neck presented. Our findings indicate that we do not yet know the minimal irradiation dosage that may cause growth retardation in infants and children. It has therefore been suggested that surgery should be more frequently considered in the treatment of childhood tumours, since this caused less side effect, and reconstructive surgery is today able to do much for patients who have had parts of their jaws resected.