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The risks of treating keloids with radiotherapy
N Botwood1, C Lewanski, C Lowdell
1Department of Radiology, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK.
The British Journal of Radiology
|March 7, 2000
Summary
Radiotherapy for benign keloids may increase cancer risk. A patient developed bilateral breast cancer nearly 30 years after keloid treatment, highlighting the need to assess radiotherapy safety for benign conditions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Dermatology
Background:
- The use of radiotherapy for benign conditions like keloids is debated due to potential long-term risks.
- Radiation exposure is a known risk factor for carcinogenesis.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient who developed bilateral breast carcinomas.
- The patient had received radiotherapy for chest wall keloids approximately 30 years prior to diagnosis.
Findings:
- This case suggests a potential link between radiotherapy for keloids and subsequent malignancy development.
- Existing literature contains only anecdotal reports of malignancies after keloid treatment with radiotherapy.
Implications:
- Further investigation is warranted to evaluate the safety and risk-benefit profile of using radiotherapy for keloid management.
- Clinicians should carefully consider alternative treatments for benign keloids to minimize potential long-term oncogenic risks.